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HISTORY 



OF 



KNOX COUNTY, OHIO, 

FROM 1779 TO 1862 INCLUSIYE: 



COMPEISINQ 



BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES, ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS OF MEN CON- 
NECTED WITH THE COUNTY FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT: 



TOGETHEK WITH 

COMPLETE LISTS OF THE SENATORS, REPRESENTATIVES, JHEBIFFS, AUDITORS, 
COMMISSIONERS, TREASURERS, JUDGES, JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, lAND 
OTHER OFFICERS OF THE COUNTY)' ALSO OF THOSE WHO HAVE 
SERVED IN A MILITARY CAPACITY FROM ITS FIRST ORGANIZA- 
TION TO THE PRESENT TIME. 

''ANn ALSO 

A SKETCH OF KENYON COLLEGE, 



AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING AND RELIGION 
WITHIN THE COUNTY. 



BY 

A. bak]v[i:n^g :n^oktok. 




COLUMBUS: 

RICHARD NEVINS, PRINTER. 
1862. 



Entered according to the act of Congress in the year 1862, 

By a. banning NORTON, 

In the Clerk's office of the Southern District of Ohio. 



\ 






PREFACE. 



To write tlie history of my native county, and to rescue 
from oblivion the anecdotes and eariy incidents of its first 
settlers, has been with me a pleasant pastime. While it has 
been much labor to gather the material for this work, and to 
test it by the crucible of truth, my mind has thereby been 
relieved of much care and of anxious thoughts upon more 
serious subjects during an exile in my native land ; and if I 
will have been the means of preserving, for the future histo- 
rian, matters which are within the recollection of but very 
few now living, my time and toil have been well spent. 

Several years ago, when a resident of this place, I collected 
many of the items which I now produce from memory : such 
as the captivity of John StUley, and events of early occur- 
rence within the knowledge of Dr. Timothy Burr, my father, 
Daniel S. Norton, Col. John Greer, Judge Bevans, Gilman 
Bryant, Col. Emor Harris, Judge Jesse B. Thomas, Eev. 
James Scott, and others, who have since deceased. Among 
my papers in Texas are notes taken by me of conversations 
with the above recited parties, as also with Samuel H. Smith 
and "William Smith, old residents of Knox, now residing in 
that State. 

I would have delayed the publication of the sketch I give 
herewith, were it not very uncertain when the present unhappy 
war may terminate, or what my future may be. Procrastina- 
tion might prove fatal to the enterprise ; hence I have con- 



IV PKEFACE. 

eluded to farnisli it to the children of the old settlers, and the 
public generally in the Ko-kosing country, conscious that it 
has imperfections, but without the ability, under existing cir- 
cumstances, of making it more complete. My object is accom- 
plished in putting in this form for preservation much crude 
material, which I regard as of value to those who may succeed 
us: I did not undertake it with expectation or purpose of 
gain. 

I may have overlooked some names in putting the manu- 
script to press, or improperly placed others ; but from the most 
reliable data I have drawn my conclusions and made my state" 
ments. I would have been pleased to have extended my 
genealogical sketches, and to have traced out the various old 
families in the townships ; but, from having met several who 
were indisposed to give me information, I found this branch 
must necessarily be partial, and desisted from researches in 
that way. The reader will take those named as examples of 
the manner in which I think a history of the county ought to 
be written, and I would like to have so presented it. Some, 
whose names may not be found in this book, may find fault 
with its compilation, as did " Schmidt," the dutch drayman in 
the city of Austin, whose name he discovered in the Directory 
spelled "Smith," and exclaimed, "I would not give one tarn 
for the Correctory vot has my name left out of it ; for Smith 
is not Schmidt no how." 

Of one thing all may be assured, and that is this: I have 
set down naught in malice, nor aught extenuated, but endeav- 
ored to represent all fairly and correctly. I have no object to 
do otherwise. I do not intend ever to live among you, nor in 
your State, and am, therefore, truly independent. I belong 
to no political or religious party, sect or organization of the 
present day, nor do I ever expect to. " He is a freeman whom 
the truth makes free ! " Having no interests to subserve, — 



PBETACE. V 

"no friends to reward, or enemies to punisb."— I am, with my 
best regards to such as have received me kindly and aided me 
with information, and to the people of Knox individually and 
coUectiyely, 

Their friend, 

A. BANNING NORTON. 

Mount Vernon, 0., July 1, 1862. 



HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

Sketch of the country and settlement prior to organization. — 
Traversed before the territory of Ohio was named by one of its 

SUBSEQUENT SETTLERS. ItS INHABITANT BEFORE THE STATE WAS ORGAN- 
IZED. — Its CITIZENS when fairfield county was CREATED. — With 

INCIDENTS of FRONTIER LIFE AND ADVENTURE. 

The coimtrv havini? for its name Ohio was con- 
stituted, under General Arthur St. Clair, a territo- 
rial government in tlie year 1788, and he continued 
as Grovernor until the adoption of the State Consti- 
tution in 1803. 

By his proclamation the county of Fairfield was 
created December 9th, 1800, and the district of 
which we now treat was included therein until the 
month of February, 1808, when it was, by enact- 
ment of the Legislature, organized into a separate 
and distinct county, honored with the name of 
General Henry Knox, a distinguished officer of the 
revolutionary army, who was subsequently Secre- 
tary of War in Gen. Washington's administration. 

The first white man known to have viewed this 
section of country was John Stilley, wlio, when a 
cajjtive among tlie Indians, traversed the White 



canti 
Vvoii 



Oman and Owl Creek from its mouth in a north- 
westerly direction, as early as June, 1779, nine years 



8 HISTOEY OF 

I)efore the name of Ohio had been given to this ter- 
ritory, and when the savages and wild beasts roamed 
at mil througliout its vast extent. 

The first settlers in this district were from Vir- 
ginia, Maryland, Kew Jersey and Pennsylvania, 
and its inhabitants, at every period of its history, 
have been chiefly fi'om the middle States. 

Erom our research into early statements, we are 
led to believe that Andrew Craig was the first white 
man Avho located within the present county limits. 
He was, at a very early day, a sort of fi'ontier 
character, fond of rough and tumble life, a stout 
and rugged man — bold and dare-devil in dispo- 
sition — who took delight in hunting, wi'estling 
and athletic sx)orts, and Avas "hail fellow well met" 
with the Indians then inhabiting the country. He 
was from the bleak, broken, mountainous region of 
Virginia, and as hardy a pine knot as ever that 
country produced. He was in this country when 
Ohio was in its territorial condition, and when this 
wilderness region was declared to be in the county 
of Eairfield, the sole denizen in this entire district, 
whose history is now being written, tabernacled 
witli a woman in a rough log hut close by the little 
Indian Eield, about one-half mile east of where 
Mount Vernon city now exists, and at the point 
Avherc Centre Kun empties into the Ko-ko-sing. 
There Andrew Craig lived when Mount Vernon 
was laid out in 1805 — there he was upon the organ- 
ization of Knox county, its oldest inhabitant — and 
tliere he continued until 1809. Such a harum- 
scarum fellow could not rest easy when white men 
got thick around him, so he left and went to the In- 



Kl^OX COUNTY. 9 

dian Tillage — Greentowii — and from thence nii- 
gi'ated further out upon the frontier, j)referring red 
men for neighbors. 

After many years of solitary residence on the 
beautiful Ko-ko-sing, the solitude of Craig's retreat 
is broken by the entrance of a lone Jerseyman, who, 
in the spring of 1803, penetrates some ten miles 
further into the wilderness, so as not, by too close 
proximity, to annoy each other, and there raises a 
little log cabin and settles down. This follower of 
the trade of Yulcan soon gets in readiness to blow 
and strike, and sets about supplying the sons of the 
forest with the first axes they had ever seen, and by 
making for them tomahawks, scalping knives, etc., 
he acquires the sobriquet of the "axe-maker," which 
for more than half a century has attached to 
I^athaniel Mitchel Young. 

A year passes by before any white accession is 
made to society on Owl Creek. Then a stalwart 
backwoodsman breaks the silence by the crack of 
his rifle, and at the spot where James S. Banning 
now lives, near Clinton, the pioneer, William Doug- 
lass, drives his stake. 

The skillful navigator plies his oar, and Robert 
Thompson ascends Owl Creek to where Mount Yer- 
non now stands, and on the rich bottom land, about 
one mile west, commences another improvement. 
Greorge Dial, of Hampshire county, Yirginia, in 
another pirogue comes up the creek, and, pleased 
with the beautiful countrv about where Gambler 
now flourishes, pitches his tent at the place now 
occupied by John Troutman. Old Captain James 
Walker, from Pennsylvania, settles on the bank of 



10 HISTORYOF 

the creek wliere Mount Yernon now is. Jolm 
Simpkins wanders from Virginia, with his son 
Seeley for his capital, and squats about a mile above 
Douglass, where George Cassel's beautiful farm now 
exists. While these plain men from Virginia, Kew 
Jersey and Pennsjlvania are preparing their cabins 
for comfortable occupation, and making little clear- 
ings, a stray Yankee, solitary and alone, with a 
speculative eye and money-making disposition, is, 
with pocket compass, taking his bearings through the 
forest, soliloquizing about the chance of making a 
fortune by lajing out a town and selling lots to 
those who may come after him into this charming 
new country. Having, as he thought, found the 
exact sx^ot for his future operations, he blazes a 
tree, and wends his way to the nearest town — 
Eranklinton — west of the Scioto, then a place of 
magnificent pretensions, where he gets chain and 
compass and paper, and returns and lays out the 
town of Clinton, in section niunber four, township 
seven, range four. United States military district, 
with its large "public green," its north street and 
south street, its main street, first, second, third and 
fourth streets, and one hundred and sixty lots, and, 
taking his toAvn plat in his pocket, he walks to New 
Lancaster, being the first white person ever known 
to have made a journey in that direction from this 
infimt settlement, and before Abraham Wright, 
Justice of the Peace, acknowledges that important 
insti-ument, and on the 8th of December, 1804, 
X^laces it upon record. Thus Samuel H. Smith, 
subsequently the first sui'veyor of Knox county, for 
many years a resident, its leading business man, and 



KNOXCOUJ^TTY. 11 

largest land holder, made Ms entrance into this 
district. 

Shortly afterwards a large accession was made 
to the population of the countiy by the emigration 
from Ten ]\Iile, Washington county, Pa., of John 
Mills, Hem-y Haines, Ebenezer and Abner Brown, 
and Peter Baxter, who settled a short distance 
south of Owl Creek, where the Beams, Men-its and 
Lafevers have since lived. This settlement, by the 
increase of the Leonards, was in 1805 and '6 the 
largest and best community in the country, and 
upon the organization of the county, and for several 
years thereafter, it furnished the leading men. 

Ben. Butler, Peter Coyle, and Thomas Bell Pat- 
terson, in the sjiring of 1805, augment the Walker 
settlement, where Mount Yernon was located 
shortly thereafter. William Douglass is joined by 
James Loveridge, who emigrates from Morris 
county, Kew Jersey, and with his wife takes quar- 
ters on the 6th of July upon the clapboards in the 
garret of his little log cabin, and is mighty glad to 
get such a shelter as that to spend the year in. 
The next year Loveridge starts off, under pretense 
of hunting a cow, and goes to the land office and 
enters and pays for the tract of land, where shortly 
after he erected a dwelling, and has ever since re- 
sided. Upon this land there is an uncommon good 
spring, which caused him to select it, and he tells 
with much glee the circumstances under which he 
obtained it. The only Yankee then in the country 
claimed to have located it, and proposed to sell it 
to him at a higher price than the government rate, 
which was then f 2 per acre. Concealing his inten- 



12 HISTORY OF 

tion from all but his wife, Lovericlgc slipped off and 
examined into and purchased it himself from the 
government, and when he returned with his patent, 
Bill Douglass laughed heartily at the Jersey Blue 
overreaching the cunning Yankee. Amoriah Wat- 
son, of Wyoming county. Pa., also put up with 
Douglass, and thus this settlement was made up of 
Douglass, Smith, Watson and Loveridge, in 1805. 
The old axe-maker, in the meantime, is followed up 
by some of liis relations and friends, who start what 
has ever since been known as the Jersev settlement. 
Jacob Young, Abraham Lyon and Simeon Lyon 
are the first to settle upon the South Fork of Owl 
Creek, and are succeeded by Eliphalet Lewis, John 
Lewis, and James Bryant. The Indians they found 
very numerous, and through the kind feelings to- 
wards the old axe-maker, they were very friendly, 
and really quite an advantage in ridding the country 
of wolves, bears, and other varmints. 

In the winter of 1805-6, that settlement entered 
into a written agTcement to give nine bushels of 
corn for each wolf scalp that might be taken, and 
three of the men caught forty-one wolves in steel 
traps and pens ! The description of these pens, and 
one of the stories told of their operation, we give in 
the words of an old settler : — " Wolf pens were 
about six feet long, four wide, and three high, 
formed like a huge square box, of small logs, and 
floored with puncheons. The lid, also of puncheons, 
was very heavy, and moved by an axle at one end, 
made of a small, round stick. The trap was set by 
a figure 1, with any kind of meat except that of 
wolf's, the animals being fonder of any other than 



ki5'oxcou:n^ty. 13 

their own. Ou gnawing the meat, the lid fell and 
caught the unamiable native. To make sport for 
the dogs, the legs of the wolf were i^ulled through 
the crevices between the logs, hamstrung, and then 
he was let loose, when the dogs soon caught and 
finished him. In Delaware county an old man 
went into a wolf trap to fix the spring, when it 
sprung n^oii him, knocldng him flat u^ion his face, 
and securely caught him as though he were a wolf. 
Unable to lift up the lid, and several miles from 
any house, he lay all one day and night, and would 
have perished but for a hunter, who passing by 
heard his groans, and came to his rescue."- 

North, west and east of these embryo settlements 
all was wilderness for many long miles. A place 
bearing the name of Newark had been laid out by 
Gen. W. 0. Schenck, but it had not any greater 
population than these little scattered settlements 
aforementioned. The principal towns of note to 
the early settlers were Lancaster, Chillicothe and 
Zanesville. Neither of them were much larger 
then than oui" usual !x| roads callages now are. 
The people were exceedingly neighborly, and per- 
formed all manner of " kind chores" for each other, 
in going to mills, lajdng in goods, dividing what 
they had with each other, &c. The nearest mill in 
1805, was in Fairfield countv. Our old friend 
James Loveridge informs us of a trip he made to 
that mill, which was seven miles up the Hockhock- 
ing river, from Lancaster. It belonged to Loveland 
& Smith, and was situated in a little crack between 
some rocks, and he went do^vn into the mill from 
on top of the roof. He made the trip there and 



14: HISTORY' OP 

back, about 125 miles, and brought home witb him 
in his wagon about 900 pounds of flour, one barrel 
of whisky, and one barrel of salt. How the settle- 
ment must have rejoiced at the arrival of the great 
staples of frontier life, salt, whisky and flour ! 



KlfOXCOUI^TY. 15 



OHAPTEK II. 

Continuation of tbte early outline. — More about the first settlors. — 
Quakers from Maryland find their way in 1806. — Incidents con- 
nected with their emigration, and in the movements of other set- 
tlers. — Who they were and what became of them. — The privations 
endured and dangers encountered. — More towns laid out. — The 
first mills. — The scene of an encounter with Indians. — Inconven- 

rENCES OF the COUNTRY. — EFFORTS FOR A NEW COUNTY. — An EARLY ELEC- 
TION. — Fairfield divided. — Three new counties created by one 
BILL. — Strife for the seat of justice of knos. 

The spring of 1806 brought witli it a new element 
into the wilderness region, in the form of the Eriends 
— the forerunners of large numbers of that society, 
who by their quiet yet industrious ways have con- 
tributed very much to the prosperity and peaceful- 
ness of our people. The venerable father Henry 
Roberts may be justly regarded as the head of this 
emigration from Maryland. In 1805 he left Fred- 
erick county, in that State, with his family, and 
directed his course to the far west, but on reaching 
Belmont county, found it necessary to winter his 
family there, and sent his wagon and team back to 
Maryland with a load of ginseng and snake-root, 
and on their return with a load of goods, he started 
with his family and plunder, and on the 7tli of 
April, 1806, he landed at Henry Haines', in the 
Ten Mile settlement, and after spending a week 
looking for a good location, on the 14th of that 



16 HISTORY OF 

montli settled down Lis family at tlie little prairie 
five miles above Mount Yernon, of late widely 
known as the Armstrong section. Tlie family con- 
sisted of his wife, his sons — William, now living at 
Pekin, Illinois ; Isaiah, now residing near Pilot 
Knob, Missouri ; Kichard Roberts, of Berlin — and 
a daughter Massah, who married Dr. Timothy Burr, 
and died at Clinton, March 9th, 1811. Kine acres 
of that beautiful prairie were at once broken up and 
planted in corn. It was very hard work to break 
the virgin soil with a first rate foiu'-horse plow 
team, but it paid for that labor by one of the finest 
crops of corn ever raised in this country. In the 
fall Wm. T. Earquhar, a cousin of Henry Roberts, 
came with his family, and after him came Wm. W. 
Earquhar with his family. They all stopped with 
Henry Roberts, and thus composed the first settle- 
ment of Eriends in this district. Erom this nucleus 
came the numerous society of Quakers in Wayne, 
Middlebury and Berlin, in after years. Shortly 
after this we find anotlier Quaker, Samuel Wilson, 
and John Kerr in what subsequently became 
Wayne township, and John Cook and Jacob Cook 
just above, in what is noAV Middlebury township, 
and Amoriah Watson goes from Douglass' to the 
tract of land above, where Eredericktown was the 
next year laid out, and which he subsequently sold 
to Jacob Ebersole, a place now easy to be identified 
by all. In the spring of 1806, there were within 
the after limits of Knox county but fifteen persons 
who turned out to vote, and but nine liable to per 
form military duty out to muster. 

The first grist mill erected in this county was of 



KNOXCOUNTY. 17 

a decidedly primitive character. It was in the 
Hains, or Ten Mile settlement, and constructed 
without the sound of the hammer upon iron. It 
was the joint work of Ebenezcr and Abner Brown, 
assisted by the mechanical skill of the whole neigh- 
borhood, and was built on what was called by the 
early settlers " Big Run," though in later times it 
is spoken of as the little Lake, through which the 
road to Granville has since been laid out. The 
water has almost disappeared — having been in its 
appearance greatly cliangcd by ditching, and in 
some parts obliterated by filling up the hollow. 
The mill stood where Isaac Beam's house now is, 
and the dam was where the bridge now stands in 
the lane. It was all of wood — a sugar-trough made 
its meal-trough — a little box the hopper — the stones 
were about two feet through, and hooped with elm 
bark for want of iron. It cracked corn pretty well 
with a good liead on, but the stream was generally 
dry, and the mill was only able to run when big 
showers of rain came. The buildins^ was about ten 
feet square, of rough logs — not a nail or a bit of 
iron could be had when it was made. Tlie stones 
of* this ancient of days are certainly a curiosity — 
they are yet to be seen, being the property of Moses 
Farquhar, of Berlin, who since that day has at- 
tempted experiments with them. Richard Roberts 
at one time took a grist to this original mill and 
liad it ground. He was then about seventeen years 
old, and not much acquainted with the milling 
business, but he was greatly impressed with its 
mechanism, and ready to exclaim, with our old 
friend Hadly, " The works of God are wonderful, 



18 HISTORY or 

but the works of man are wonderfuller !" He 
thought that it a\ orkcd first rate, though Henry 
Hains at that time had got a little hand mill wliicli 
he claimed was a great improvement on the little 
wooden mill. 

Mr. Roberts recollects of having at one time 
packed a bag of corn from Tom Butler's down on 
AVhite-woman home, and from thence to a mill 
near ]N^ewark, and back home again, less a heavy 
toll. While at the mill he saw Hughes, and from 
his own lips had a true account about tlie killing 
of Indian horse thieves, whom Jack Katliff and 
himself had pursued into the Owl Creek country 
and killed as they came upon them in the bottom 
just below where Tredericktown now stands. The 
story runs thus : — " One night in April, 1800, two 
Indians stole their horses from a little inclosure 
near their cabins, located in some old Indian fields 
on the Licking. In the morning, finding their 
horses gone, and tracks about, they were satisfied 
of their having been stolen, and started oif in pur- 
suit, accompanied b}^ a man named Bland. They 
followed their trail all day, and camped at night in 
the woods, and making an early start in the morn- 
ing, surprised the Indians in their sleep. They 
drew uj) their rifles to shoot, when one of the 
Indians, discovering them, clapping his hands on 
his breast, as if to ward off the fatal ball, exclaimed 
in piteous tones, ' me bad Indian ! — me no do so 
more ! ' Alas ! in vain he plead ; the smoke curled 
from the glistening barrels, the report rang in the 
morning air, and the poor Indians fell dead." 
Hughes and Ratliff returned home with the horses 



KNOX COUNTY. 19 

and plunder taken fi'om the Indians, feeling as well 
over their little exploit as any men ever did over a 
gi'eat and glorious action. Ellis Hughes, who was 
known to very many of our old settlers, died near 
TJtica, in March, 1845, and was buried with military 
honors. He was believed to be the last survivor of 
the hard fought battle of Point Pleasant. He was 
a hardy backwoodsman from Western Virginia. 

Our old townsman, Wm. Meiford, informs us that 
when he improved his farm on Mile Run, in Wayne 
township, he was clearing off ground on which to 
build his house, and he then plowed up the two In- 
dians killed by Hughes, and also a rusty gun bar- 
rel, brass guard, and other pieces of a gun, which 
had not decayed. This was in 1835; and Jacob 
Mitchel now has the old relics. 

Greorge Oonkie gatliered up the bones and buried 
them, and the house was built on the sj)ot — the old 
Peck place on Mile Run bottom, where Mrs. Acre 
now lives. In early days there was a favorite 
camping ground for the Indians about three-fourths 
of a mile from where these Indians were killed. 
Three old settlers have informed us that about 1808 
they saw at one time more than one hundred and 
fifty warriors camped there. They have several 
times seen Old Crane, the Wyandot Chief, the Chief 
Armstrong, and Captain Pipe, with bands of In- 
dians, roving througli this country, and we have 
gathered some very amusing incidents connected 
therewith, which the limit we have prescribed for 
this work compels us to omit in this edition. 

The great inconvenience the settlers labored un- 
der for want of building material caused William 



20 HISTOKYOF 

Douglass, as early as the spring of 1805, to ccnceiye 
tlie design of erecting a mill at the seat now known 
as Banning's Mill. He then eomnienced digging 
the race and building the dam. After getting a 
saw to running, he set to work building a grist mill ; 
being a man of enterprise, he could not brook the 
thought that the people in that neighborhood should 
continue to boil and pound their corn when they 
could not take time to go to the distant mills. 

John Kerr, as will be elsewhere noted in this book, 
erected a little grist mill on the Sullivant track, and 
laid out the town of Erederick in the first quarter, 
seventh township, fourteenth range, United States 
military district, which on the 11th of Xovember, 
1807, he acknowledged, in presence of George Cham- 
bers, before Wm. W. Earquhar. A full account of 
the early settlement and i)rogress of this thriving 
village will be found under the head of Wayne 
township. 

In our investigation of early matters, we find that 
the settlers of this district were solicitous upon three 
great points for legislative aid, to wit : the di^dsion 
of Fairfield, the increase of premium upon wolf 
scalps, and proper encouragement in killing squir- 
rels. The General Assembly, in 1807, passed a bill 
to encourage killing of squirrels. It went through 
the popular branch with a rush, but the vote upon 
the final i)assage of the bill in the Senate, on the 
21st of December, stood 8 ayes to 7 nays. The price 
for scalping gi'own wolves was increased, after some 
time and much petitioning, and the monster Eair- 
field was dismembered at last. Happy were those 



knoxcou:n^ty. 21 

old pioneers, at that period of their existence — 

"All then was happy — possessing and possessed — 
No craving void left aching in the breast!" 

In looking over the old petitions and beholding 
the cramped signatures of a nnmber of these hardy 
yeoinen, whose rough specimen marks of cracked 
and blistered hands in frontier service, clearly bear 
witness to their whole heart being in the prayers 
sent up for these measures, we can well imagine 
how they must have cliuckled with delight, as a 
Christian over his soul's salvation, at the realization 
of their wishes. In those primitive times their at- 
tention was not diverted from the real live issues 
affecting the welfare of themselves and their fami- 
lies to grand humanitarian schemes for the benefit 
of any other race or people. The squirrels eat the 
kernels when the corn was in silken tassels, taking 
it out of their children's mouths ; the wolves prowled 
about their tracks, destroying their pigs and poultry, 
and rendered night hideous Avitli their howling, and 
frightened and endangered the lives of wives and 
children, so thev could not leave home to attend to 
necessary business at the remote county seat. Tliis 
was a remarkable epoch in the history of the pioneers 
of this country. 

In 1807, at the October election, the section of 
countrv known as Eairlield countv cast but 213 
votes, all told ; and now there is scarcely a township 
in all tliis country that does not contain more voters. 
Tlieii i\\(i entire vote cast for Governor in the State, 
as officially published, was 5,616; and now, after 
tlie space of fifty-four years, our own county of Knox 



22 HISTORY OP 

polls over 6,000 votes, and the old county as it then 
existed polled at the last election 40,000 ! 

What a change in the country we have lived to 
witness! How striking the contrast in manners, 
customs, education, intelligence, and in political, 
religious, and social life ! In nothing is the altera- 
tion more clearly marked than in the dissemination 
of information in reference to elections and the sys- 
tem of electioneering. Then every man ran on his 
own hook — his own race — making the best speed 
he was capable of — fully impressed with the belief 
that the devil would take tlie hindmost. The race 
was won then by personal merit and cleverness. 
N^ow party intervenes; caucuses and juntos dic- 
tate; conventions and wigwams gather together 
political carpenters, joiners and jacks of all trades, 
whose special province it is to make platforms out 
of vagrant material for Aveak-kneed and spavined 
candidates to stand on. Then there were no daily 
papers, and weekly ones only existed in great cities 
like Boston, Kew York and Philadelphia. In fact 
nine-tenths of the then inhabitants had never seen 
a newspaper. The official count of the vote of that 
year shows more fully than any language could 
convey the state of blissful ignorance prevailing 
throughout all this now politically crazy country. 
There were then two candidates running for Gover- 
nor, to wit : Return Jonathan Meigs and Nathaniel 
Massie. The former was voted for under nineteen 
different names, and the latter under tive different 
stvles. The various tickets read: For Keturn J. 
Meigs, Return J. Meigs, Jun., Jonathan R. Meigs, 
Jr., Jonathan Return Meigs, Jonathan Return 



K N O X C O U N T Y . 23 

Meigs, Jr., Return Meggs, Eeturn R. Meags, Jr., 
Jonathan Meggs, Jonathan R. Meggs, J. Meigs, Jr., 
Jonathan Meigs, Jonathan J. Meigs, Judge Meigs, 
John Meigs, Mr. Meigs, J. Maggs, Return Israel 
Meigs, James Meigs, Johan Meigs. Nathaniel 
Massie, Nathaniel Massie, Esq., James Massie, Mr. 
Massie, Daniel Massie. Meigs reeeived 3,299 ; Mas- 
sie 2,317 ; and Return J. Meigs was declared elected 
Governor by 982 maj ority . Thomas Kirker, Speak- 
er of the Senate, was then acting Cxoyernor. 

Meigs had been a colonel in the army, and was 
appointed judge of the territory of Louisiana in 
July, 1805, and had resided in that country some six 
months ; his wife and ttiniily, howeyer, had remain- 
ed, during his absence, at Marietta, in this State. 
Massie contested his election; and on the 30th of 
December, 1807, the General Assembly, in joint 
session, by a a ote of 21 to 20, decided that Meigs 
was not eligible. The yote of Fairfield was: For 
Meigs, 167 ; Massie, 46. In 1810, Goyernor Meigs 
was elected by the j)eople, and served as Governor 
until 1811. He was a gentleman of education and 
talent, and Meigs county, upon the Ohio river, will 
perpetuate his name as long as Ohio exists. At the 
election of 1807, above alluded to, Elnathan Scofield 
was elected Senator, and Philemon Beecher and 
Wm. W. Irwin Representatives. 

The singularity of name borne by Governor Meigs 
is thus accounted for, as narrated to us by George 
Browning, Esq., a native of Belpre, and resident 
in this place since 1829. Jonathan Meigs, the father 
of Return J., was quite celebrated for his bravery 
in several Indian campaigns, and when out on one 



2ti: HISTOEYOF 

of these i^erilons excursions, during his absence, his 
wife was in her confinement, and wrought upon by 
great anxiety for her husband, kept continually 
crying out in pain : " Return, Jonathan, oh ! return, 
Jonathan, to me." About the time Return Jona- 
than was born, Jonathan returned, and she was 
quieted down, and at once the name "Return 
Jonathan" was given to the new comer. 

The great extent of territory comprised witliin 
the limits of Eairfield, and the inconveniences re- 
sulting to the settlers in the more new portion of tlie 
country from their great distance from the county 
seat, caused them to agitate the question of a di^dsion 
of the county as early as 1806. 

At t\iG fifth General Assembly of Ohio, held in 
Chillicothe, December 1st, 1806, a strong effort was 
made, audit was "within an ace" of being success- 
ful. Elnathan Scofield, Senator, and Philemon 
Beecher, Representative, of Fairfield county, were 
particularly friendly to this measure. How near it 
came to being a success, may be judged of by the 
following statement upon the Senate Journal, page 
115, January 15th, 1807. A message from the 
House of Representatives, by Mr. Beecher, repre- 
sented that "the House had passed 'an act for the 
division of Eairfield county,' in which they desire 
the concurrence of the Senate." On the 16th, tlie 
bill was received and read a second time. On the 
20th, page 128, Air. Scofield laid before the Senate 
a petition, signed by a number of the inhabitants 
of Eairfield county, praying for a division thereof, 
and recommending Mount Vernon as the tempor- 
ary seat of justice in said contemplated division, and 



Kxoxcou:srTT. 25 

also recommending certain persons as suitable char- 
acters for associate judges, and tlie petition was re- 
ceived and referred to the committee of the whole, 
to whom is committed the bill for a division of 
Fairiield county. On the 21st, the said bill was 
taken up, and considered and amended, and contin- 
ued till Saturdav next. 

At the sixth General Assemblv, in December, 
1807, we iind on tlie 31st several petitions were pre- 
sented from Fairfield count v for a division of said 
county, which were referred to Messrs. Scofield, 
Mc Arthur and Bigger. 

On the 7th of January, Senate Journal, page 69, 
Mr. Scofield presented a petition from citizens of 
Fairfield county living south of the Refugee Tract, 
whose names are thereunto sub^<cribed,for Iavo coun- 
ties ; the one lying nortli of Refugee Tract line to 

be called Center, and the other to be called . 

January 15th, the bill pending in the Senate, page 
83, several amendments were presented to the com- 
mittee of the whole, one of which is: "Strike out 
in the 1st section and 6th line, after the word 
'heathen,' 'from thence west along the south bound- 
ary of said military tract, and insert,'" etc. From 
which it may be inferred that there were heathen 
about these parts before these later times. 

On the 16th of January the bin passed the Senate, 
and on the 30th of January, 1808, it passed the 
House and became a law. The second section of 
the act created the county of Knox. By this bill 
three of the best counties in the State of Ohio were 
marked out by metes and bounds, to wit : Licking, 
Knox and Richland. By the 4th section the teni- 



26 H I S T O R Y O F 

porary scat of justice of Licking was to be at the 
house of Levi Hays, and of Knox county at Mount 
Yernon. The 7th section provides "that BicMand 
county shall be under the jurisdiction of Knox until 
the Legislature may think proper to organize the 
same." Hence, the reader will observe that in 
tliese pages we have incorporated several items of 
the early history of our younger sister — Kichland 
— as well as some incidents of more particular in- 
terest to those dwelling in Licking. Tor the same 
reason, we have carried the history of Bloomheld, 
Chester and Branklin — three of the townships at 
present belonging to Morrow county, though until 
1848 part and parcel of old Knox. The same com- 
missioners who located the seat of justice of Knox 
county at Mount Yernon, under the joint resolution 
of February 9, 1808, fixed the seats of justice of 
Licking and Delaware counties ajt JS^ewark and 
Delaware. 

On the 11th of Eebruary, in joint ballot, the Gen- 
m-al Assembly chose the first associate judges of 
Knox county, Wm. W. Farquhar, John Mills and 
William Gass. 

As we have before stated, in the year 1805 some 
of the inhabitants became desirous of having a town 
on Owl Creek, and Mount Yernon was laid out 
accordingly. Thcfproprietors were Benjamin But- 
ler, Thomas B. Patterson, and Joseph Walker. 
One of the settlers being from the Potomac, and 
thinking of the consecrated spot on its shores, sug- 
gested that, as the stream Avas so clear and beautiful, 
the place should bear the sacred name — Mount 
Yernon — and it was so done. 



KNOX COUNTY. 27 

Clinton — one mile and a half nortli — located the 
year before, was by its proprietor named after Got- 
ernor DeWitt Clinton, of Kew York, and he also 
shoAved his regard for his old friend by gi^ang the 
name to his son — DeWitt Clinton Smith — who 
was a member of the sixth Legislature of Texas, and 
now resides in the Lone Star State. And in 1807 
Fredericktown was laid out. Thus there were three 
towns, having a "local habitation and a name," 
before the county of Knox was created. Neither 
of them had adAanced verA' far in the scale of citA - 
dom up to 1S0(S; of the number, hoAVCAer, Clinton 
was the most promising. It had, at that time, more 
houses, shops and Avorkmen, than either of the 
others. 

Oilman Bryant opened a grocery store in Mount 
Yernon, on the lot Avhere Buckingham Emporium 
noAV stands. It Avas a little story and a half syca- 
more cabin, where he kept poAA'der, shot, lead, whis- 
ky, etc., for sale to the Indians and the fcAY AA^iites 
in 1807. Samuel H. Smith had a pretty good stock 
of goods and traps at Clinton. Of each of these 
toAA^ns Ave shall speak more fully under their appro- 
priate heads. 

Upon the organization of the county, the inhab- 
itants were greatly pleased. Those Avho had been 
compelled to traA^el to Kcav Lancaster to transact 
county business, Avere particularly gTatified. The 
proprietors of toAvn sites and holders of lots therein, 
Avere superlatively elated. 

On the 9th dav of EebruarA', 1808, James Arm- 
strong, James Dunlap and Isaac Cook were ap- 
pointed Commissioners to locate the seat of justice. 



28 HISTORY OF 

In piirsuaiicc tliereof, tlicy proceeded to discharge 
the duties imposed upon them, and on the 28th day 
of March, they appeared before John Mills, Justice 
of the Peace, and were seyerally sworn to discharge 
the duties assigned them as Commissioners as 
aforesaid. 

Clinton and Mount Vernon were the principal 
competitors for the seat of justice. The former 
place at that time was the larger. It had more 
goods, more mechanics, more enterprises on foot, 
more houses, more people, and more hope for the 
future. It had more of Xew England families, 
more of Yankee spirit and shrewdness ; and yet, 
with all their cunning and craftiness — all their 
money and management — all their efforts and in- 
ducements — Clinton lost the selection. Its generals 
were out-generaled — its managers out-manoeuyered 
— its wits outwitted — its Yankees out-Yankeed by 
the less showy and pretending men from the Poto- 
mac and the Youghiogheny, who had settled at 
Mount Yernon. The choice of either one for the 
county seat inyolyed the ultimate ruin of the other. 
Clinton made a bold effort to keep up against ad- 
verse Ayinds. It could not sustain an appeal from 
the decision of the Commissioners, but still it kept 
on for seyeral years in its improyements, and until 
after the war it was ahead of Mount Yernon in 
many respects. It had tlic first and only newspaper 
in the county for two years ; it had the ffrst and 
only church in the county for many years ; it had 
stores, tanyards, shops of yarious kinds, and gi'eater 
variety of business than Mount Yernon ; but after 
the war was oyer it began to decay, and its rival 



KlfOX COUNTY. 29 

took the lead. The accredited account of the loca- 
tion of the county seat is as follows : — The Com- 
missioners first entered Mount Vernon, and were 
received Avith the best cheer at the log tavern of 
Mr. Butler. To impress them with an idea of the 
public spirit of the place, the people were very busy 
at the moment of their entrance and during their 
stay, at work, all with their coats off, grubbing the 
streets. As they left for Clinton, all quitted their 
labor, not " of love ;" and some rowdies, who dwelt 
in cabins scattered round about in the woods, away 
from the town, left " the crowd," and stealing ahead 
of the Commissioners, arrived at Clinton first. On 
the arrival of tlie others at that place, these fellows 
pretended to be in a state not comformable to tem- 
perance principles, ran against the Commissioners, 
and by their rude and boisterous conduct so dis- 
gusted the worthy ofticials as to the apparent morals 
of the inliabitants of Clinton, that they returned 
and made known their determination that Mount 
Yernon should be the favored spot. That night 
there were great rejoicings in town. Bonfires were 
kindled, stews made and drank, and live trees S]3lit 
with gunpowder. 

Such is a plausible account of this matter, which 
we have often heard related by our old friend Gil- 
man Bryant, who took great pride in rehearsing a 
fable calculated to give Mount Yernon the manifest 
advantage in the estimation of moral and temper- 
ance men in these later times. But some of those 
who lived in the county at that early day give an 
entirely different version to the subject, and even 
have gone so far as to aver that the Commissioners 



30 HISTORY OF 

themselves delighted, as did the rest of mankind, in 
taking a " wee drap of the cratur," and could not 
have been " disgusted by rude and boisterous con- 
duct" to which they were accustomed. 

And again it is suggested that " the crowd" at 
that day was not so gi-eat in this locality that men 
who had sense and observation sufficient to be se- 
lected for Commissioners, would not have been 
able to observe and distinguisli " the rowdies," and 
class them where they belonged. 

Another old settler, whose partiality at that day 
was for Clinton, avers that the proprietor of Clin- 
ton, Mr. Smith, had been very illiberal in his deal- 
ings with those who wished to purchase lots in his 
town. He had adopted a plan of mthliolding from 
market the best lots on the plat, and keeping the 
corner lots to be enhanced in value by the improve- 
ments made by settlers upon inside lots. At this 
course many of them became dissatisfied, and some 
of the number who had bought of him collogued 
with the Mount Yernonites against Clinton. We 
have been told by another old citizen, that tAvo of 
the men living north of Mount Vernon, and con- 
sidered as in the Clinton interest, proposed to 
Kratzer and Patterson to help secure the location 
of the county seat at Mount Yernon, in considera- 
tion of their receiving two lots apiece in the town, 
and that their favor and influence went accord- 
ingly. 

And yet another account of this mooted question 
as to how the j)reference came to be Mount Yernon, 
comes to us in this wise : — 

One of the Commissioners was security for Sam- 



KNOX COUNTY. 31 

uel Kratzer, and had become involved on that 
account. Kratzer had moved to this place from 
Lancaster, where he had been acting as land tax 
collector of Eairfield county, in 1805, and reported 
himself to have been robbed of the public money 
while upon the road going to make his return. He 
was a line looking, large, fleshy man, and wore 
tight buckskin breeches. They had holes in them 
which he alleged to have been shot in the encounter, 
though they bore the appearance of having been 
cut ; his saddle-bags were also exhibited with liorrid 
gashes in them, and making profert of these he 
petitioned the Legislature for relief, and at the ses- 
sion of 1806, the bill for Ms relief Avas lost by a 
vote of 10 yeas to 17 nays. — H. J., p. 114. 

Certain it is, Kratzer lost caste, and broken up 
and humiliated, he came to the new town site and 
bought out Patterson's interest in the town of 
Mount Yernon, and it is represented that one of 
the Commissioners was counted on by the settlers 
as certain for said place. He got another of the 
Board with him, and Mount Yernon came off vic- 
tor. Subsequently — and as resulting from this 
judgment — Kratzer, enabled by the rise of property 
to pay off his debt, did the fair and just thing by 
the Commissioner. 

Mount Yernon at that time was a rough, ragged, 
hilly spot, with a thick growth of hazel and other 
bushes, not near so inviting a place as Clinton, 
where everything appeared enticing to the stranger. 
Oilman Bryant says that : " The ground north of 
Butler's Tavern was then almost wholly in woods. 
Some timber had been chopped down in places. 



32 HISTORY OF 

Main Street was full of stumps, log heaps and trees, 
and tbe road up tlie street was a poor crooked path 
winding round amongst tlie stumps and logs." 
Kiehard Roberts says that it was very rough and 
broken where Mount Yernon was located, and was 
the last spot on God's earth a man would have 
picked to make a county seat. 

Another gentleman residing north of Mount 
Yernon, and very partial to Eredericktown, thinks 
that by a little management that place miglit have 
been made the permanent seat of justice, when the 
strife was so great between the other towns. They 
might have got a strip tliroAvn oif of Delaware 
county, which might have been attached, and then 
Frederick would have been alike central ; but Kerr 
and his comrades had not their eyes open to the 
importance of getting that five mile range with 
Knox, and they were left out of doors when the 
location was made permanent. 

We have thus minutely given all the statements 
made to us in regard to the selection of a permanent 
seat of justice, for it will be a matter of far greater 
interest to future generations than to the j)i'esent. 
Our seventh chapter we devote to Ben. Butler's 
version, which will be read with great interest, as 
he is the only one of the proprietors of the town 
now living, and was a prominent actor in that aifair. 
With that we leave tliis elaborately discussed sub- 
ject. 



Kisox cov:sTY. 33 



CHAPTER ni. 

KNOX COUNTY ORGANIZED. 

Ths first term of common ^leas. — Report of commissioners on seat of 
JUSTICE. — The first criminal trials. — "The enforcement of the 
laws" upon hedrick's bare back. — Forty stripes laid on a poor 

"WHITE man's naked SKIN I ThE PUBLIC WHIPPING ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE 

OF MOUNT VERNON. AcTION OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, A. D. 1808. 

The FIRST OFFICERS, AND SOME ACCOUNT OF THEM. ThE FIRST GRAND 

•JURIES AND FIRST PETIT JURIES. ThE FIRST ELECTION. FiRST LICENSED 

PREACHERS, SIERCHANTS AND TAVERN KEEPERS. EXTRAORDINARY WOLF 

SESSION. — Rigid honesty and economy of officers. 

0:n^ the first of May, 1808, tlie faces of old and 
young, great and small, of the male and female, upon 
Owl Creek's "stormy banks," Ayere anxiously turned 
to the south to catch the first glimpse of that august 
personage, "the Court," then expected to make a 
first yisitation to Mount Vernon. Ben. Butler and 
Aunt Leah had their house all "in ax)plc-pie order" 
for their grand reception ; Jim Craig, at his house 
on the corner of Mulberry and Glambier, had laid in 
a fresh supply of whisky and other refreshments ; 
Gilman Bryant had got a bran new horn for his 
customers, and had rubbed his little store up until 
the stock looked as bright as a dollar; and Sheriff 
Brown had caused the little wagon maker shop of 
Ooyle & Sons to be swept out and supplied with 



34 HISTORTOF 

smooth round logs for tlie jurymen and others in 
attendance to sit on. Every man and boy that had 
been fortunate enough to kill his deer had buckskin 
leggins and a new hunting shirt, and every woman 
that had a wheel had spun and dyed and made her- 
self and little ones a good homespun garment. 
Some few who could stand the expense had bought 
of store calico three to five yards, at seventy-five 
cents a yard, and fitted themselves with a two or 
three breadth dress, the third breadth made into 
gores, so as to be wider at the bottom, as their abil- 
ity enabled; for in those days there were no fash- 
ionable women to parade the streets with fifteen to 
eighteen yards in a dress, and no disposition for 
extravagant displays of wearing apparel. The 
Court traveled on horse-back — handed the saddle- 
bags to "Knuck Harris," and, after rest and refresh- 
ment, bright and early on the morning of the 2d of 
May "opened" and proceeded to business. The 
whole population — men, women and children — 
wxre out in their best rig, to witness this great event ; 
and we give the following faitliful transcript of the 
entire proceedings : 

FIRST COURT OF COMMON PLEAS IN KNOX COUNTY. 

" The State of Ohio, to wit: 

" Agreeable to au act of the General Assembly of the State of 
Ohio, passed on the 17th day of February, 1808, for establishing 
and organizing the county of Knox : 

" Be it, therefore, remembered and known, that we, William 
Wilson, President, John Mills and Wm. Gass, Associate Judges 
for said county of Knox, did on this day, to wit: Monday, the 
second day of May, in the year of our Lord 1808, meet at Mount 
Vernon, the temporary seat of justice for the county aforesaid, and 



KKOX COUNTY. 35 

proceeded to the appointment of a clerk for the said county, where- 
upon it was declared by the Court that Chas. Loffland was duly 
elected fro tempore, who came into Court and was duly qualified as 
the law directs. 

" Samuel H. Smith, Esq., was duly elected surveyor of Knox 
Co. 

" Present : William W. Farquhar, gentleman." 

" The State of Ohio vs. W771. ilc^r/rZ;— Felony.— William Wal- 
lace, William Bowen and Joseph Cherry Holmes entered into recog- 
nizance of $100 each to appear at the next Court of Common Pleas 
and testify against William Hedrick. 

" James Armstrong, James Duulap and Isaac Cook, gentlemen, 
who was appointed by the Legislature on the 9th of February last 
for fixing the county seat in the county of Knox, made their report 
to the Court of Common Pleas for the county aforesaid that Mount 
Vernon should be the seat of justice for said county. 

"WILLIAM WILSON." 

Sucli is tlie beginning of the minutes of the first 
Court. The "Report" reads as follows: 

" To the Hon. William, Wilson, Esq., President, and John Mills, 
William Gass and Wm. W. Forhcr, Esqs., Associate Judges of 
the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Knox, in 
the State of Ohio : 

" May it please your Honors, In conformity to an act of the Leg- 
islature of the State of Ohio, passed the 28th of March, 1803, en- 
titled an act establishing seats of justice, we, the subscribers, were 
appointed by a Resolution of both Houses of the Legislature, passed 
on the 9th of February, 1808, commissioners for fixing the Parnia- 
nent seat of justice in and for s'd county of Knox. We do hereby 
make report to your Honors, that. Having Met and attended to the 
duties of our s'd appointment in s'd county on the 28th of the 
present Inst., and Having paid due Regard to the centre, Extent of 
population. Quality of soil, as well as the General convenience, we 
Hereby declare that the Town of Mount Vernon is the most suitable 
place for the Courts of s'd county to be held at, and we do hereby 
declare the said Town of Mount Vernon the parmanent seat of Jus- 



36 HISTORY OF 

tice in and for s'd county of Knox. Given under our hands and 

seals this 29th day of March, 1808. 

"JAMES ARMSTRONG, [seal.] 

"JAMES DUNLAP, [seal.] 

"ISAAC COOK, [seal.] 

" Commissioners. 

" The first Grand Jury Impanneled. — Matthew Merrit, foreman, 
John HeiTod, Samuel H, Smith, James Walker, Jr., David Miller, 
Joseph Walker, Oilman Bryant, James Walker, Sen., William 
Douglass, Ziba Leonard, Stephen Chapman, Benj. Butler, Jonathan 
Hunt, Ichabod Nye. 

" Fighting cases first disposed of. — State of Ohio vs. John Wil- 
liamson. — For fighting yesterday with William Herrod. The Court 
do assess him in a breach of the peace, &c., in the sum of $1.60 
and costs. State of Ohio vs. William Herrod. For fighting John 
Williamson yesterday. Fine $1.60 and costs. 

" Preachers next in order. — William Thrift, a Baptist minister, is 
authorized to solemnize marriages. 

" Traders Licensed. — Samuel Kratzer and Stephen Chapman are 
authorized to retail goods, wares and merchandize in Mount Ver- 
non, on paying into the treasury $5. 

" Tavern-keepers Licensed. — Samuel Kratzer is licensed to keep 
a house of entertainment in the town of Mount Vernon for one 
year, on paying $6. Daniel Ayres is licensed to keep in Freder- 
icktown, on paying $5. 

" First Will admitted to Probate. — The last will and testament 
of William Leonard was proven. 

" The First Trial by Jury. — State of Ohio \s. William Hedrich. 
— Indicted for stealing a watch from William Bowen. Plea — Not 
guilty. 

" Jury. — James Loveridge, Henry Smith, Aaron Brown, James 
Smith, Benjamin Brown, John Beam, William Nash, Daniel 
Demick, Michael Brown, Peter Baxter, Archibald Gardner, and 
Levi Herrod. Verdict — Guilty. 

*' Judgment. — Fine $5, pay the owner, William Bowen, $15, and 
be whijjpcd 07i his naked bach ten stripes, imprisoned one month, 
pay the cost, and stand committed until the sentence is complied 
with. 

" Second Trial. — State of Ohio vs. William Hedi-ick. — Indict- 
ment for stealing bay mare, property of William Wallace. 



KNOX COUNTY. 37 

"Jury. — John Baxter, William Herrod, William Biggs, Daniel 
Ayres, Nicholas Kyle, John Shinabery, James Craig, James Smith, 
Thomas Merrill, Dorman Lofland, James Pell, and Thompson 
Mills. 

" Judgment. — Prisoner be whipped 20 lashes on his naked back, 
and pay a fine of 620, and be imprisoned one month, and pay the 
owner $70, the value of the mare, pay the cost, and stand com- 
mitted, &.C. 

" Third Trial. — State of OJiio vs. William Hedrick. — Indict- 
ment for stealing one pair over-alls, the property of Joseph Cherry 
Holmes. 

"Jury. — James Loveridge, Henry Smith, Aaron Brown, James 
Smith, Benjamin Brown, John Beam, William Nash, Daniel 
Demick, Michael Brown, Peter Baxter, Archibald Gardner, and 
Levi Herrod. 

" Judgment. — Prisoner be whipped on his naked back five 
stripes, pay a fine of $2, be imprisoned one month, pay the owner 
$5, double the value of the over-alls, pay cost, and stand com- 
mitted, &c. 

" Fourth Trial. — State of Ohio vs. William Hedrick. — Indict- 
ment for stealing one bell and collar, property of William Wallace. 

" Jury. — Parts of the former. 

" Judgment. — Prisoner to be whipped five stripes on his naked 
back, pay a fine of $1, pay the owner 81.50, the value of the bell 
and collar, pay the costs, and stand committed, &c." 

Tlie State pays its first fee. — On motion, a certifi- 
cate was issued by the Commissioners in favor of 
Samuel Kratzer, Esq., for his services, for $6, in 
acting on the part of the State against William 
Hedrick, who was found guilty of felony. 

The sentence of the Court — when, ivhere, l)y ichoni 
and how executed. — The judgment of castigation 
was executed upon the public square of Mount 
Yernon, shortly after the adjournment of Coiu't, in 
the presence of all the people. Silas Brown was 
the Sheriff, and it fell to his lot as such to serve the 



38 HISTORY OF 

" legal process" upon tlie body of William Heclrick. 
There was a small leaning liickory tree upon the 
east side of the public square, between the present 
]N^orton building and High street, and a little south 
of where the jail was afterwards built, and this tree 
bent in such way that a man could walk around 
under it. To this delectable spot the culprit was 
taken, and his hands were stretched up over his 
head and tied to the tree, and the stripes were ap- 
plied by said Sheriif to his naked back. He was 
struck forty times with a heavy raw-hide whip. 

A spectator pleads for mercy. — The first few blows 
with the raw-hide were across the kidney. Mr. 
Bryant, one of the bystanders, at once called out to 
the Sheriff to whip him elsewhere — that was no 
place to whip a man — he should strike higher up ; 
and the rest of the lashes were applied across the 
shoulders. 

Hoxi:^ HedricJc acted. — The criminal sobbed and 
cried piteously, and when released went off* weep- 
ing and groaning. In many places the skin was 
cut and broken, and the blood oozed out, making 
a pitiable spectacle. And yet such was the feeling 
against him that few seemed to sympathize with 
the scourged. As he started off he said to the 
spectators, " You should not blame me for this, for 
it is not my fault." Bob Walker replied, " IN'o, by 
G — d, you wouldn't have stood up and been whipj)ed 
that way, if you could have helped it." And at 
this i)rompt retort to Hedrick's exj)lanation or 
apology, the crowd laughed loudly and uproariously. 

Erom Oilman Bryant, Samuel H. Smith, Ben. 
Butler, Jonathan Himt and Stephen Chapman of 



K]S"OX COUNTY. 39 

the Gniiid Jmy, and James Lover idge and tlie 
Herrods of tlie Petit Jiuy, and Richard Roberts, 
all of ^vhom arc yet lining, and who witnessed this 
scene, ayc have gathered this account of the first 
and last judicial punishment by whipping in the 
county of Knox. And scarcely anj^ of the present 
citizens are aware that such punishment of crimi- 
nals was ever the law of the land in which they 
have the good fortune to live. 

THE FIRST ELECTION AT MOUNT VERNON. 

On the 4th day of April, 1808, the entire people of 
the county voted at Mount Yernon. The officers of 
election were Ebenczer Brown, Jabez Beers and 
Samuel Kratzer, Judges ; Wm. Gass and Robert 
Anderson, Clerks. They were here from the most re- 
mote points, as well as from the ^^cinity of Mount 
Yernon. The election of the first officers in a new 
county brings out eveiy body. They elected them 
by the following votes : John Lewis, for Commis- 
sioner, received 56 votes, John Herrod 52, and 
Joseph Walker 48. Silas Brown was elected Sheriif. 
Jonathan Craig, for Coroner, had 45, and Erancis 
Hardesty 1 vote. Then for Trustees — for be it 
remembered, the whole county composed the dis- 
trict — George Downs had 41, Henry Roberts 36, 
and Joseph Coleman 36. The vote for Overseers 
of the Poor was, Moses Craig 22, James Walker 2, 
Alexander Walker 12. The candidates for Super- 
visor were Sam. Kratzer, who received 35, and 
Peter Baxter 36. Por Pence Yiewers, George Zin, 
Michael Click and Jesse Severe were candidates. 



40 HISTOETOF 

Eor " House praisers," Arcliibald Gardner and 
James Craig eacli got 12 votes. Eor Constables, 
Gabriel \yiikins received 30, Philip Walker 21, 
Jonathan Hunt, Jr., 15, Dave MiUer 3. Por 
Treasurer, Ben. Butler had 12 votes, and James 
Walker, Jr., 2. [NTone of these jjarties are now liv- 
ing but Ben. Butler and Jonathan Hunt, who 
many long years ago dropped the junior and be- 
came a senior, and is now one of the oldest of men. 



DIVISION OF THE COUNTY INTO FOUR TOWNSHIPS, AND WHAT 

THEY WERE. 

The following entry we find on a piece of paper 
in James Smith's hand : 

"Knox County: 

"Know ye, tliat on the 2d day of May, 1808, at a meeting of a 
Board of Commissioners for said county, to wit : Joseph Walker, 
John Harrod and John Lewis, Commissioners in and for said county, 

'^Ordered, that the following bounds be laid off into a separate 
township, to wit: beginning at the west boundary line of said 
county, between the 6th and 7th township line, and running east 
to the west of the thirteenth range line, thence north to the center 
of the 7th township line, thence on the east to the east line of the 
13th range, thence north to the county line, which shall be called 
and known by the name of Wayne township. 

'■'Ordered, that the following boimds be laid off into a separate 
township : beginning at the north-cast corner of Wayne township, 
thence east to the west side of the 11th range, thence south to the 
center of the Gth township, thence west to the west line of the 12th 
range, thence south to the south line of the Gth township, thence 
west on the said lino of the side line, which shall be called and 
known by the name of Clinton township. 

"Beginning at the center of the 11th range line where it inter- 
sects Licking county line, thence north to the center of the Gth 
township line, thence west to the Avest line of the 12th range, 
thence south to the line between the 5th and Gth townships, thence 



KNOX COUNTY. 41 

west to the west line of the county, thence with the county line to 
Licking county to the place of beginning, which shall be known 
and called by the name pf Morgan township. 

"Ordered, that the following bounds be laid off into a separate 
township, laid off as follows : beginning at the north-east corner of 
Clinton township, thence eastward to the Muskingum county line, 
thence with the line of said county to the Licking county line, 
thence west to the middle of the 11th range, thence north to the 
center of the 6th township, thence west to the west side of the 12th 
range, thence north to the place of beginning, which shall be called 
and known by the name of Union township." 

Those wlio are curious to know wliat tliese town- 
ships comprised, will find that Wayne at that time 
embraced all of the present townships of Eranklin 
and Chester, in Morrow county, Middlebnry, and 
Berlin, Wayne, and the north half of Morris. 

Clinton included Bloomfield, now in Morrow 
county, Liberty, north half of Pleasant, Monroe 
and Pike, and the south half of Morris. 

Union took in Brown, Jefferson, Union, How- 
ard, Butler, Jackson, three-fourths of Harrison, and 
the east half of Clay. 

Morgan consisted of the west half of Clay, south- 
west quarter of Harrison, south half of Pleasant, 
and all of Morgan, Miller, Milford and Hilliar. 

THE SECOND, OR FALL TERM KNOX COMMON PLEAS 

Was held on Monday, the 5th day of September, 
1808. What was then transacted we will briefly 
state. 

A Grand Jury was called and sworn for the body 
of this county, to wit : Jabez Beers, foreman, Ziba 
Leonard, John Johnson, James Walker, Jacob 



42 HISTORY OF 

Young, Beiijaiiiiu Butler, Wm. Kasli, Jolin Butler, 
David Miller, John Merritt, Wm. Douglass, Jas. 
Walker, Jr., James Craig, wlio after being sworn, 
retired out of Court, and after some time returned 
with the follo^ving x^resentments, to wit : 



" The State of OMo vs. Samuel H. Smith. — On a presentment 
for selling goods without license. A true bill, to wliicli the defend- 
ant plead guilty. Court on consideration of the offense doth find 
the defendant in the sura of $2.50, and costs of the prosecution. 

''Ordered, that the Grand Jury be adjourned till to-morrow 
morning, nine o'clock, who met according to adjournment. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Michael Broivn. — On an indictment. 
True bill. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Aaron Brown. — On an indictment. True 
bill. 

" The State of Ohio vs. James Click. — On an indictment. True 
bill. 

'■'The State of Ohio vs. Sarah Hartley. — On an indictment. 
True bill. 

" Samuel Kratzer vs. Roiert Walhcr. — In trespass. Dismissed 
at plaintiff's cost. 

"Ordered, that Edward Herrick be appointed a prosecuting at- 
torney for this county. 

"James Scott, who is a regular Minister of the Presbyterian 
Church, is licensed to solemnize marriages. 

" John Armstrong vs. John Kerr. — In trespass. James Bryant 
came into Court and undertook for the defendant, that in case he 
should be cast in this suit, that he would pay and satisfy the con- 
demnation of the Court, or render his body to the prison in lieu 
thereof. 

" John "Wood is licensed to keep a tavern, on payment of $4.00, 

" ' On the motion of Samuel H. Smith, it is ordered that license 
be issued to him to sell and retail goods, wares, and merchandize 
of foreign growths and manufactories, at his store in the town of 
Clinton, for one year,' on payment of $10.00. 

" Samuel H. Smith is licensed to keep tavern at Clinton, on 
payment of $5.00. 



KNOX COUKTY. 43 

^' Jacob Yomig vs. Abra?iarn Lyon. — Plaintiff's attorney ordered 
to amend writ by adding tlie words, ' on the case.' 

"On motion, Court adjourned till to-morrow at 9 o'clock. 

"Tuesday, September 6th, ISOS. 

"James Craig vs. Archibald Gardner. — On an appeal from a 
judgment rendered by Samuel Kratzer, Esq. This came ye 
defendant by his attorney, and pleads non-assumpsit, joinder and 
issue. Whereon came a jury, to wit: Daniel Johnson, Ichabod 
Nye, Wm. Casper, Stephen D. Menton, John Click, Thomas Bow- 
en, Moses Craig, Wm. Bowen, Robert Anderson, Jesse Proctor, 
Oilman Bryant, Alexander Walker, who upon their oaths say that 
they find for the plaintiff, and assess the damages to $25.26^ cents 
damages. 

"Joseph Butler vs. Elizabeth Vandever. — On an appeal from 
Abraham Darling. Judgment awarded for the defendant's cost. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Michael Brown. — Samuel Kratzer, Sam- 
uel Baxter and Polly Miller entered into 3100 recognizance to 
appear and testify on the part of the State. 

" State of Ohio vs. Aaron Brown. — James Walker, Jr., Benjamin 
Butler and Wm. McBride entered into recognizance of $100 to ap- 
pear and give evidence on the part of the State. 

"Jacob Young \&., AbraJiam hyon. — Samuel H. Smith came into 
Court and undertook for the defendant, that in case be should be 
cast in this cause, that he would pay and satisfy the condemnation 
of the Court, or render his body to prison in lieu thereof. 

" Thomas B. Patterson, for the use of Moses Bixby, vs. Samuel 
Kratzer. — In debt. The defendant came into Court and acknowl- 
edged the services of the writ; declaration filed and continued. 

" The Court proceed to the appointment of a Clerk pro fern pro, 
when James Smith was elected. 

"Ordered, that Edward Herrick be allowed $25 as prosecuting 
attorney for this term. 

" Court adjourned till the Court in course. 

"WILLIAM WILSON. 

" John Armstrong vs. John Kerr. — The declaration being filed 
this the 5th day of Nov., 1808, the defendant is ordered to plead 
to the same within twenty days; otherwise judgment. 

"EDWARD HERRICK, 

"Atfy for Plaintiff." 



44 HISTORY or 



THE FIRST SPECIAL TERM OF COURT. 

At tlie request of Micliael Brown, John Click 
and Aaron Brown, a Court of Common Pleas of 
the Associate Judges Avas opened at Mount Yernon 
the 5th of December, 1808. Present, Wni. W. 
Parquhar, John Mills, and Wm. Gass, Esqrs. 

" The State of Ohio vs. M. Brown. — On an indictment found by 
the Grand Jury, a true bill, thus appeared the prisoner, and pleads 
not guilty ; the Court then proceed to the evidence of John Wil- 
liamson, Samuel Kratzer, Samuel Baxter, Polly Miller and Stephen 
Chapman, on the part of the State, and Thompson Mills and 
Michael Mills on the part of the prisoner. The Court, upon a full 
investigation, do order that he do give bail of two persons, which 
shall be bound in two hundred dollars each, for his personal ap- 
pearance at the next term, then and there to abide the order of 
Court; otherwise to be remanded to jail. 

" The State of Ohio vs. A. Brown. — On an indictment for a breach 
of the peace. The Court order him to enter bail in one surety of 
fifty dollars. 

" The State of Ohio vs. John Click. — On an indictment for a 
breach of the peace. The Court order him to give bail in $'50. 

" William Fuller became surety for Aaron Brown, and Gilmau 
Bryant for John Click. 

"Ordered, that the Court do adjourn. 

"JOHN MILLS." 



THE FIRST ELECTION BY TOWNSHIPS— SPECIMEN OF A POLL 

BOOK— REFLECTIONS. 

At the October election the first regular vote was 
taken for State and county officers, the terms of 
those elected in April having been, in Clerk Lof- 
land's phrase, only "^ro 'pemimre.'''' The following 
poll-book of one of the most i^opulous townships 
shows who Avere voted for: 



KNOX COUNTY. 



45 



Poll-hook of an Election held in the Township of Wayne, in the 
County of Knox, and State of Ohio, the 11th day oj October, 
1808, at the house of Daniel and Abner Ayres, in the tmcn of 
Frederic. John Kerr, Chuirman, Nathaniel M. Young, John 
Cook, Henry Roberts, Judges, and Jacob Young and JV?n. W. 
FarquJuir, Clerks of the Elcctian, were duly sworn as the law 
directs, previous to their entering on the duties of their respective 
offices. 

Certified by me, Wm. W. FARQUHAR, A. J. 



1 


Casper Fitting, 


13 


2 


Joseph Talmage, 


14 


3 


Amariah "Watson, 


15 


4 


Abraham Lyon, 


16 


5 


Joshua Vennom, 


17 


6 


Samuel Wilson, 


18 


7 


Charles McGowen, 


19 


8 


Joshua Milligan, 


20 


9 


Ruben Skinner, 


21 


10 


Jacob Cook, 


22 


11 


Henry Roberts, 


23 


12 


John Kerr, 





Henry Markley, 
Nathaniel M. Young, 
John Walker, 
William W. Farquhar, 
Jacob Young, 
John Cook, 
Richard Hall, 
Thomas Durbin, 
Samuel Durbin, 
Jeduthan Dodd, 
Thomas Townsend. 



" Samuel Huntingdon had at the above election, for Grovernor, a 
majority of 23 votes (all cast;) Jeremiah Morrow, for Congress, 
received 21, and Philemon Beecher 2. 

" Wm. Trimble and Jacob Burton had a majority of 21 votes 
each for the Senate. 

"Hezekiah Smith had 2 votes for Senator, and Elnathan Sco- 
field 2. 

"Alexander Holden, for Representative, had 20 votes, and 
Jeremiah R. Munson 2. 

"For Commissioners — Wm. Douglass had 21, Calvin Shepherd 2, 
Henry Markley 23, Matthew Merritt 21. 

" For Coroner — John Merritt had 21. 

"For Sheriff— Silas Brown 13, Ichabod Nye 9. 

" John Harrod had 2 votes for commissioner, and Joseph Walk- 
er 2. 

" Attest : Wm. W. FARQUHAR, 

"JACOB YOUNG, 

Clerks:' 



46 HISTORY OF 

Eifty-four years have not yet passed by, and yet 
eai-tli has closed upon all the above list of voters 
and voted for: and at this day there are but seven 
of the above numbered who have any "kith and 
kin" within our county limits. Of 126 voters at an 
election in the entire county, in 1808, but seven are 
now living — the mementos of the past — the con- 
necting link of the living and the dead; soon, alas! 
the last one of the pioneers will have departed from 
among us. Is it not, then, of the utmost importance 
to gather from the lips of the few who stand, as we 
^vrite, at the very threshhold of death, their recollec- 
tions, and to treasure up, for future generations, an 
account of their perils and suiferings, and the inci- 
dents connected with the first settlement of this 
great and glorious land '^ 

DOINGS OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS— THEY AEE DEATH ON 
WOLVES, AND "DOWN ON" ROADS, BUT DETERMINED TO DO 
THE FAIR THING FOR THE TAX-PAYER. 

" A Board of Commissioners for tLe coixnty of Knox was seated 
at Mount Vernon, on Monday, the 24t]i day of October, 180S. 

"Present: Gentlemen Henry Markley, Matthew Merritt and 
William Douglass, Commissioners, who, at their first meeting, pro- 
ceeded to the appointment of a Clerk, and James was duly 

elected Clerk, and qualified accordingly; then, according to law, 
proceeded to cast lots relative to their ceasing to continue in the 
office, and it is by them declared that Henry Markley continue in 
said office three years, Matthew Merritt two years, and "William 
Douglass one year. Ordered, that this Board do adjourn until nest 
Friday." 

Thus simply and concisely is given the proceed- 
ings of the first meeting of the Commissioners of 
Knox county of which we have any record. On 



KlifOX COUJTTY. 47 

Eriday, the 28tli of October, the following business 
was transacted : 

" Ordered, that the Clerk issue an order on the County Treasurer 
of this county for the sum of one dollar and fifty cents for killing 
one wolf, proven before Wm. Y. Farquhar, Esq., in favor of James 
Durbin. 

" Ordered, that an order issue in favor of James Smith for 
the sum of two dollars, for carrying returns of the annual election 
to the town of Newark. 

"P. S. — The above meeting was intended for the purpose of 
examining and regulating the papers and books relative to the 
Commissioners. 

" Ordered, that this Board do adjourn until the first Monday in 
December next, unless occasion Require a sooner meeting of this 
Board." 

"Occasion" did "Keqnu-e" a "sooner meeting," 
for we find that wolves had been killed, and it was 
a "case of emergency," justifying an extraordinary 
meeting of the Board of Commissioners at Mount 
Yernon, on the very next day, and we give the 
journal entry in its own words: 

" Ordered, that an order do Issue to the County Treasurer of 
this county, in favor of Jesse Morgan, for the sum of three dollars, 
for killing two Grown "Wolves. 

" Ordered, that an order do Issue to the Treasurer of this County, 
in favor of Jonathan Morgan,* for the sum of three dollars, for 
killing two Grown Wolves. 

" Ordered, that this Board do adjourn until the next meeting in 



course." 



At the December term, 1808, the Board was in 
session two days. On the 5th an order was gi'anted 

* Query. — Was not Morgan township named after the distinguished 
•wolf-killer, to whom we find many orders to have been issued for killing 
wolves ? May not a spirit of regard for such public benefactors have caused 
the old settlers to perpetuate the name of Morgan ? 



48 HISTOEYOF 

Philip Walker, constable, of seventy-five cents for 
one day's attendance on tlie Grand Jury at tlie May 
term; to William W. Farqnliar, Esq., $1.50 for one 
day's attendance on a call court, on an indictment 
of the Grand Jury, on the case of M. Brown; to 
John Mills $3 for the same ; to William Gass $3 
for the same; and the following wolf orders: To 
John Simpkins t|1.50 for killing one grown w^olf, 
X^roven before Samuel Xratzer, J. P. ; to John But- 
ler $3 for killing two grown wolves, proven before 
Abraham Darling, J. P. On the 6th day of 
December : 

" Ordered, that the Treasurer of this Couijty do pay the following 
sums to the following persons : To James Dunlap $22 for fixing 
the county seat of this county ; to Isaac Kook $22 for the same ; 
to James Armstrong $22 for the same. 

" Ordered, that 10 cents be erast off the Collector's Duplicate, 
for an error made by the lister, who personally apj)eared and con- 
fessed the same, in favor of Samuel Lewis. 

" Ordered, that the Treasurer of this County do pay to James 
Smith, Clerk, 86. G7 for his services in elections until the said term, 
likewise 75 cents for Blank Books. 

" A petition was handed the Board, praying a view of a Road 
from the town of Clinton Running to intersect the County Line, near 
the south-west corner of the County; which review they declare 
Inexpedient and Rejected. 

" A petition was handed the Board, praying a view of a Road 
from the town of Clinton through the Settlement of Skenk's Creek 
to the Eastern Line of Knox County, and it is declared by the Board 
that the said petition is rejected. 

" A petition was handed the Board, praying a view of a Road 
from Mulberry street, in the town of Mount Vernon, to Wm. Doug- 
lass' mill, and they declared the same Inexpedient. 

" Ordered, that the Treasurer of this County do pay Archibald 
Gardner the sum of $1 .50 for killing one Grown Wolf, proven before 
Samuel Kratzer, Esq. 



KNOxcouiirTY. 49 

" Ordered, that the Treasurer of this County do pay to Henry 
Markley the sum of $15 for to defray expenses and charges relative 
to procuring a Duplicate from Fairfield county to enable the collec- 
tor to collect and pay the taxes on Resident Lands in this county. 

" Ordered, that the Treasurer do pay to Silas Brown $13.33 for 
his services eight months in criminal cases; for do. in elections, $4; 
the above allowances for the year 1808; 3 hasps and 1 lock, $2.50 ; 
summoning 2 Grand Juries, $2 each ; and fifty cents for the diet of 
Wm. Hedrick, prisoner. 

" Ordered, that this Board do adjourn until the next meeting in 
course, unless necessity require an extraordinary meeting." 

Sucli was the action of Markley, Merritt and 
Douglass, in the year 1808. How economically our 
affairs were managed in the early days of the Owl 
Creek Republic ! Officers then were simple-minded , 
and wrote with grey goose-quills ; expending but 75 
cents for blank-books; gold pens were then un- 
known, nor steel-vA^ either. The item of "station- 
ery," which has since figured so extensiyely in 
county exhibits, was not then in the official diction- 
ary. Blessed days were those, when an "error of 
10 cents was ordered erast," and "confession" of the 
same made by the collector upon the county records 
in favor of the aggrieved sovereign; when roads 
through "the settlements on Skenk's Creek" and to 
"county lines," as well as from "Mount Yernon to 
Mill," were declared bj^ our pioneer board "Inex- 
pedient," and "the petitions" of interested citizens 
were "rejected;" when it took only "50 cents" toi 
pay "the Diet" of prisoners, and the "chief end of 
man" was to kill grown wolves, and of County 
Commissioners and Clerk to receive cevti.ficates of 
proof thereof and issue orders to pay for their 
scalps ! 



50 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTEE lY. 

The COtTNTRT AS SEEN IN 1801. — A TRAGEDY IN OWL CREEK IN 1800, AND 

THE PLACE OF ITS OCCURRENCE. EeMINISCENCES OF EARLY SETTLERS AND 

THEIR FAMILIES. ThE FIRST TERRIBLE STORM VISITS MOUNT VERNON. 

The FIRST DOCTOR AND HIS RECEPTION. TuE BUTLERS, THE WALKERS. 

GiLMAN BRYANT, JIM CRAIG, AND THEIR EXPLOITS. WhO GAVE THE NAME 

TO MOUNT VERNON. WhO BUILT THE FIRST CABIN ? EaRLY PREACHING. 

Fighting and other incidents of the frontier, and amusing events 
of the ancient times. 

The first of our race known to liaye been witliin 
tlie limits of tliis county, as stated heretofore, was 
John Stilley. The second, of whom we have reli- 
able information, was the reckless frontiersman, 
Andy Craig. And from all we can learn, we are 
of the o];)inion that cotemporaneous with him was 
the oddest character in all our history, Johnny 
Chapman, alias Appleseed, who was discovered in 
this country when the Walkers, and Butlers, and 
Douglass and others landed here, and whose name 
is found recorded among those voting at the first 
election ever held in this district. 

Ben. and John Butler, in September, 1801, made 
a trip up Owl Creek as far as to the mouth of Cen- 
ter Bun, and camped over night about one hundred 
yards north of the Owl Creek bank. At that time 
Andy Craig was living there in a Kttle log hut, 
with a 2:reat raw-boned woman as his wife. She 



K X O X C O U N T Y. 51 

had been married to some man about Wlieeling, 
when Andy took u]) with her, and they ran off into 
the Indian country together. She was a trifling, 
coarse piece, and said Ben: " I'd as soon have slept 
with a man as her, and why he should have taken 
her into the wilderness for a sleeping companion I 
can't see." Not a white person was then living in 
our route from Lewisville up to where Mount Ver- 
non now is, and not a settlement had been made in 
Knox, Morrow, Richland, Ashland, Wayne, or any 
part of the country watered by Owl Creek, the 
Mohican, and their tributaries. An old Indian 
Chief vnth his Tribe was then camped near by, and 
they had a grand j)ow-wow there. The Indian 
Eield, in the bend south of the camps, was covered 
with beautiful grass, and looked charming. 

The Butlers were greatly pleased with their ex- 
ploration, and returned by the mouth of Owl Creek 
to Lewisville. In 1803, John settled near the 
mouth of the stream. In the spring of 1805, Ben. 
takes up his residence in Mount Yernon. During 
the intermediate time the Indians held undisputed 
possession. Andy Craig, having fallen into their 
customs and mode of life, remained with them ; 
and, after settlers began to pour in, he pulled up 
stakes, and went up to Greentown and continued in 
their company. There were three beautiful spots 
of ground without timber, and known from that 
time as the " Indian Fields." The one we have 
named was the "Little Indian Eield," and con- 
tained about twenty acres, known to settlers of 
many years as on the Ann Carter tract, now owned 
by Judge Hurd. It is in Clinton township. 



52 HISTOETOr 

Another " Indian Field" contained about forty 
acres, upon tlie John Ash tract, now owned by 
Amen M. Shipley. It is in Howard township. 

The ten-mile settlers selected a beautiful level 
prairie for their commencement of operations. 

The beautiful little prairie in Morris township, 
where Henry Roberts settled, was also a choice 
spot. And the Me-me-kausen prairie down the 
creek, now known as the Darling prairie. 

These were all favorite places of resort for the 
Indians as long as they were in this country. Arm- 
strong with his Tribe once every year visited the 
Indian Eields on Owl Creek, and hunted and fished, 
and camped by the waters of the stream they loved 
until the war of 1812, when they had reason to 
cease their visits in this direction. 

This country is described by those who knew it 
at that early day as the most beautiful region the 
eye ever rested upon. The work of nature was 
captivating. Subsequent cultivation by man has 
added to its interest, though, in some respects, it 
may have marred the beauty of the original scene. 

Beyond the recollection of the oldest inhabitant 
now living within our borders, a tragedy was 
enacted on the point of bluff between Centre Run 
and Owl Creek, of which much has been said by 
old citizens, but very little is known. The exact 
time of its occurrence is usually stated at about 
1805, but in fact it must have occurred as early as 
1800, if not before that. Two slaves had run aAvay 
from their master, Tumlinson, who lived in Vir- 
ginia, and had got into this part of the country 
and taken uj) with squaws. Their j)ursuers tracked 



KKOX COUNTY. 53 

them through Zanes^ille and u}) Owl Creek, and 
finally came upon them at Andy Craig's. One of 
the boys was a muhxtto ; and, recognizing his mas- 
ter's son as he approached with two other men, 
sprang to the bank and into the Creek, pursued by 
the men, who overtook him in the middle of the 
stream, and a deadly struggle took place, in which 
he killed his young master, but was then overpow- 
ered, taken to the hut, tied, and shortly after jilaced 
on the horse his young master had rode, and the 
company started for Virginia with him. The second 
night after lea^dng Craig's, they built a camp-fire, 
and left the mulatto tied by it, when they went out 
for game. On their return, he was found to have 
been shot, but neither could say that he did it. The 
belief was, that they had become tired of taking 
him along, and as he was surly and troublesome, 
he was killed to get rid of him, and out of revenge 
for the loss of Tumlinson. 

Ben. Butler informs us that on his trip to Owl 
Creek in 1801, Andy Craig told him the particulars 
of this fight ; and that in 1805, when he made a 
trip out to the Sandusky plains, he saw the negro 
who escaped, and was then living with a squaw 
among the Indians, and talked with him about this 
affair. 

Dr. J. K. Burr and J. W. Warden, in hunting 
over the ground where this scene occurred, came 
across the bone^ of Tumlinson, who had been buried 
there. 

Among the early settlers of this part of Ohio, 
were the Virginia family of Butlers. They were 
John, Thomas, Benjamin, Joseph, Isaac and James, 



54 HISTORY or 

and all made tlieir settlements upon Owl Creek and 
Wliitewoman at first, and subsequently lived upon 
these streams or their tributaries, and in the divi- 
sion and formation of counties were found in Knox 
and Coshocton, in what was about the same neigh- 
borhood in those times. John settled in 1803, on 
land which he bought of Capt. Taylor, at the mouth 
of the Mohican, near where Cavallo was located. 
He died on Mohican, in his 85th year. Thomas 
died in his 84th year. Joseph died about 1837. 
Isaac was drowned in Whitewoman, about 35 years 
ago. James died on his farm on Mohican, about 
1832. They were hardy, sinewy men, good hunt- 
ers, and well calculated to endure the hardships 
and privations of frontier life. 

Ben. Butler, in his 81th year, is yet of vigorous 
physical frame and of strong mind. Eew men of 
forty can be found with more rugged constitution. 
The Butlers were always fond of fun and frolic, and 
never occupied a back seat when any sj)ort or fight- 
ing went on in early days. Ben. is about five feet 
nine in height, w eighs about 150 pounds, is straight 
as an arrow, and fleet as an Indian. He is ready 
to-day to run a foot race with any man of his age 
in the world, and a few years since gave a public 
challenge through the press to run for a wager a 
foot race with any man of his age in the State or 
nation. 

He was born in Monongahela county, Ya., April 
18tli, 1779, and when just turned of twenty years 
he married, on the 2d of May, 1799, Leah Bogers, 
of Crab Orchard, Ya., then in her sixteenth year, 
and by her had fourteen children, seven boys and 



K N O X C O U N T Y. 55 

seven girls. Betsey, their oldest child, was born in 
Monongaliela county, Ya., Eebrnary 22d, 1800. 
She married John Rouse, who died at Bacine, 
Meigs county, leaving five children. Betsey is now 
living with them at that place. Hiram was born 
on the Tuscarawas river, about two miles fi'om 
Coshocton, in October, 1801 ; he is dead. Ben. 
was born on Whitewoman, July 31, 1801, and is 
also dead. Joseph was born in Mount Vernon, the 
23d of October, 1806. Matilda in Mount Yernon, 
October 8th, 1808 ; she married Charles Critchfield, 
and is now dead. Huldah was born on his farm 
down the creek where he has ever since lived, in 
1810. Beasin was born August 12th, 1812, and is 
now dead. Laban E,., born March 7th, 1811, mar- 
ried Luciuda Peckham, and lives in Union town- 
ship. Maria was born October 1st, 1815 ; married 
S. W. Sapp, and is now dead. Polina, born August 
31st, 1817, married Bobert Grimes, and lives in 
Iowa county, Iowa. Hetty, born July 5th, 1819, 
wife of John Carpenter, with her two boys and two 
girls, lives at the old farm with Ben. Squire John, 
born in 1821, and George Washington, born in 
1823. Squire John married Mary Jane, daughter 
of Joseph Workman, and George W. married Miss 
Lydick, daughter of another old settler. Thej^ live 
in Union township. Josej)h married Polly Biggs, 
and lives in Newcastle ; Huldah married Joseph 
Jones, and lives in Knox county. 111. Three of the 
boys and three girls are dead ; the rest living, to- 
gether with seventy-five grandchildren. " Pretty 
well done, is it not," said Uncle Ben. to us this 8th of 
June, 1862, "for old Yirginia and a little Quaker gal !" 



56 HISTOETOP 

In ISOO, Ben. Butler settled in tlie neigliborliood 
of Dresden, and raised a crop on land belonging to 
Major Cass. In 1801, lie moved to Lewisville, two 
miles above Coshocton, and in 1802, lie settled on 
Wliitewoman above the mouth of Kilbuck, and 
from thence to Mount Yernon in April, 1805, 
where he resided until 1809, when he moved down 
the creek, where he has ever since resided. Before 
he moved to Mount Yernon he had bought thirt}^- 
six acres of land of Joe Walker, which he had pur- 
chased of Matthews and Nigh, and Matthews exe- 
cuted the deed to Butler. Patterson, Walker and 
himself conceived the plan of laying out a town on 
their possessions, and accordingly in July, 1805, it 
was surveyed by Bob. Thompson, and taken to 
Lancaster, and recorded in Pairtield county records. 

Captain Walker's house was the first one within 
the town plat ; the next buildings were two little 
log stables, built by Ben. Butler, on the corner now 
owned by Adam Pyle — Gambier and Main streets, 
north-west corner. In one of these log stables Ben. 
Butler lived and kept entertainment until he built 
his log cabin on the corner, which for many years 
continued the principal tavern of Mount Yernon. 
He paid for shingles and work on that house $150. 
This was the building wherein the Commissioners 
who came to locate the county seat were most hos- 
pitably entertained. Ben. moved into it in the fall 
of 1805, and lived in it until 1809. It continued 
as the Avar office under successive administrations. 

Ben. bought two hundred acres on Licking, and 
built a log cabin on it, intending to move his family 
there in 1809, but having met Avith a favorable offer 



KNOX COUNTY. 57 

he sold it to Hanger, who occupied the place until 
his death. 

The most extraordinary event of those early times 
was a terrible tornado in the summer of 1806, 
which played hayoc with the early settlers. It 
came up suddenly, and was very violent. It tore 
off the roofs of all the houses, killed most of the 
stock running about, and tore down all the large 
white oak trees that were on Ben.'s thirty-six acre 
tract, as also many trees on Walker's land. In its 
course it took in Andy Craig's old stand on Center 
Run. Ben. had nine head of horses ; as the storm 
came up they attempted to run out of its way ; 
two of them were killed ; one of the horses ran all 
the way to Craig's, and jumped into his garden 
patch ; its skin was torn and flesh scratched in 
many places by limbs of trees hurled against it by 
the storm as it ran to get out of its reach. Walker 
had some horses killed ; also Patterson and Krat- 
zer, and a little fellow from Virginia who lived on 
the hill, named Zinn. 

A little doctor named Henderson was with us 
when we laid out the town. He was from Balti- 
more, Maryland, and proposed that we should call 
it after Washington's home-place, and we all sanc- 
tioned. When it came to giving any name that 
pleased Washington, it i^leased all proprietors. 

Henderson was a clever young fellow ; his father 
made a regular doctor of him, and started him out 

with a good horse and outfit, but he was too d d 

lazy to practice. The first time Ben. saw him, 
Patterson came out into the lot where he was plow- 
ing, and introduced him to Ben., who was mad at 



58 HISTOKTOr 

the infernal beecli-roots catcliing the plow so niucli, 
and when Patterson said he was a doctor, and Hen- 
derson spoke up and said he had just been inocu- 
lating a child, and A\^anted to inoculate Butler's, 

Ben said, " G — d d n you, haven't I moved away 

up here to get rid of the d d small-pox, and now 

d d if you shall inoculate my child. I didn't 

know exactly what inoculating then meant, but I 
was mad, and I threatened to put my knife into 
him, and scared him so that he would not attempt 
to 'noculate any more in that to^^ii. He stayed 
about for a time, until he ran away with a woman, 
and no other doctor dared to show his face there 
during my stay. We had no lawyers either in 
them days." 

The first election Ben. recollects of attending, 
the neighbors and himself went down to Dresden 
and voted in 1803 or 1804. Another election he 
recollects of was held at Bill Douglass'. David 
Johnson wanted to be a constable, and 'lectioneered 
hard, and agreed to take on executions and for fees 
raccoon skins, if he was elected. But when the 
A'otes were counted, he was beaten by Dimmick. 
This was the first time he voted a ticket. In old 
Virginia it had been always the custom to vote by 
singing out the name of the candidate voted for. 
Speaking of raccoon skins : old Amos Leonard 
preached Presbyterian doctrine, and would often 
say when he commenced, " Kow, you had better 
pay the, preacher a coon skin or so." It was with 
him " poor preach and poor pay." " Once I passed 
along where he was preaching, with corn on my 
back, to feed about one hundi'cd hogs that I had 



KlfOXCOUIS^TY. 59 

about where ^N^orton's mill is, and seeing Walker 
listening to liim, I hallooed to him to come along 
^vith me — that he could learn no good from Amos 
— that he kucAy nothing ; and Walker came along 
with me. Another Sunday I was out hunting 
calves with my brother Tom, and when we had 
found them and were driving them along the road, 
l^reacher Leonard took off his hat and shook it at 
them, scaring them off, so I told him if he ever did 
so again, preacher as he was, I would whip the 
hide off of him ; and I would have done it, too, for 
at that day I could whip anybody ; I was little, 
but never saw the man I couldn't Avhip. 

" Leonard went on to his meeting, and took satis- 
faction out of me by preaching at me. Captain 
Walker said to me the next day : ' Oh ! you ought 
to have been at meeting just to hear Leonard abuse 
you ; he laid it on to you severely.' I thought that 
may be so. Many a man can whip with the tongue 
that is afraid to try it with the fist." 

One of the greatest fights of that early date was 
between Ben. Butler and Jim Craig, in which Craig 
was badly whipped. Butler's hand had been tied 
uj) from a hurt, but he took off the poultice and 
gave him a severe thrashing. The next day Jim 
and Ben. met together and took a drink over it; the 
quarrel was dropped, as Jim said he deserved the 
whipping and would not fight it over again. 

Wlien Ben. bought his land of Captain Walker 
he had no thoughts of laying out a town, nor had 
Walker. He gave f 2 an acre for it. 

Ben. helped dig the first grave, that of Mrs. 
Thomas Bell Patterson, the first j^erson that died 



60 HISTORYOF 

in Mount Yernon. He says that Ool. Patterson 
was a very smart man, much smarter than any in 
the town now. 

The okl school house stood near where the market 
house stands, and the public well, with a sweej) or 
pole, was north of it, nearly in the centre of High 
street. He helped wall the old well. 

Oilman Bryant said, that he came to the county 
in 1807, and lauded in Mount Yernon from his 
jurogue in March, and at that time there were only 
three families living within the then limits of the 
town, viz; Ben. Butler, who then kept a sort of 
tavern ; James Craig, who kept some sort of refresh- 
ments and whisky, on the corner, east side of Mul- 
berry and north of Wood street; and another fam- 
ily, who lived south of Craig's on the opposite side 
of the street. These buildings were all log. On 

the west side of Mulberry, opposite to , Avas a 

little pole shantee, put up by Jo. Walker, a gun- 
smith, who had a little pair of bellows in one corner, 
and tinkered gun-locks for the Indians. Eurther 
west, on what is now Oanibier street, and beyond 

the town plat, stood the building occu^^ied by 

Walker, also a log. There was also at that time a 
small log house with a roof, but the gable ends not 
yet filled, standing on the west side of Main street, 
between the present market house and where the 
court house stood in 1849, which would be in High 
street. There was at the time living in the neigh- 
borhood, and recollected by Mr. Bryant Colville, 
on his farm east of town; Bob. Thompson, where 
Stilley now lives; Andrew Craig, at or near 
the old Indian fields (on Centre Bun, above Tur- 



KI^rOXCOUNTT. . 61 

ner's mill); old Mr. Walker, near Banning's mill, on 
the left hand side of the road; and old Mr. Hains, 
south of town. Mr. Bryant brought eight barrels 
of whisky by water to Shrimplin's mill on Owl 
Creek, and from thence had it hauled by N^athaniel 
Oritchiield's team, Joe driving, to Mount Yernon. 
Tradition says that the first log shelter occupied by 
old man Walker was made of little round poles by 
Casper Fitting in 1802, but we can find nothing to 
sustain a claim to its erection at so early a period. 
Fitting, doubtless, was the builder, we should think 
about 1801, though it may have been in 1803; 
however, as our own recollection does not extend 
quite that far back, we give it as it has been told to 
us. 

Joseph Walker, Sr., of whom we have been 
speaking, emigrated to this county from Pennsyl- 
vania about 1801, and settled near where we now 
write. Philip, Joe, Alexander, James, Robert and 
John were his sons, and two daughters — Sally, 
who married Stephen Chapman, and lives three 
miles south of this town, and Polly, who married Sol- 
omon Geller, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, who was 
one of the early settlers of Mount Yernon, and 
subsequently moved into what is now Morrow 
county. Joseph Walker, Sr., and his wife, both 
died many years ago, and their bodies were buried 
in the Clinton graveyard, with no stone to mark the 
spot where they lie, and this record, it is hoped, 
may serve to perpetuate their memory. Erom all 
accounts, they were very worthy pioneers. 

James Craig, one of the three men living in 
Mount Yernon in the spring of 1807, was grit to 



62 ' HISTORYOr 

tlie back bone, and was constantly harrassed by peace 
officers. It became almost an every-day occurrence 
Avith liim to liave a fight ; and, if no new comer ap- 
peared to give his fighting life variety, he would, 
''just to keep his hand in," scrape up a fight with 
his neighbors or have a quarrel with his wife — all 
for the love of the thing, for "Jamie was the broth 
of a boy." He had as high as four fights in one 
day with Joe Walker, who was also a game chicken ! 
When arraigned before court for assault, etc., he 
would always put on his most pleasing smile, and 
say to the judge : "^ow, will yer honor jist please 
be good to the boy, for he can't help it." 

We have been told by an early settler of a little 
incident, illustrating the sports of the j)ioneers in 
1807, at James Craig's house, after he had moved 
out to the log cabin, erected, and yet leaning, not 
standing, on D. S. Norton's farm, south of High 
street extension, on the Delaware road. Craig had 
tended a few acres in corn, and had the only corn 
for sale in that part of the county. Mrs. Rachel 
Kichardson sent her son Isaac to buy some for 
bread, and, after spending a short time in the village, 
he went out to Craig's, got his corn, and stayed all 
night. The family had just got to sleep, lapng 
down on the floor, when the wild fellows of the town 
came in to the doors and fired a volley over their 
heads. Craig at once sprang out of bed in his shirt- 
tail, grapi^led with one of them, and in a short time 
all present were engaged in a lively little fight, just 
for the fun of the thing. " Knuck Harris," a " color- 
ed gemmen," the first one ever in Mount Yernon, 



KKOX COUNTY. 6S 

and Joe Walker, are recollected as having been 
among the parties. 

One of the most noted fights that ever came off 
in this county was between James Craig and his 
son-in-law, Jack Strain, and two of the Georges of 
Chester township. It occurred in this way: Old 
Jim was, as he said, in a fighting humor, when, in 
company with Jack, coming along the road home 
on foot they met the Georges near Clinton riding 
sprucely on horse-back, and required that they 
should get off their horses and figlit them. Parson 
George explained that they were in a hurry to go 
home, and had neither time nor disposition for a 
fight. But Jim swore that they must get off and 
fight ; and, there being no way of getting past them, 
as they held possession of the road, they reluctantly 
got off their horses and "pitched in." Jack soon 
whipped his man, but it puzzled Jim to make his 
figlit out, and the conclusion arrived at was, that 
they had taken too large a contract when they un- 
dertook to whip the Georges. Jim, in after years, 
would revert to this one fight with regret, as it was 
entirely uncalled for and only provoked by his own 
determination for a trial of strength. 

After the marriage of Jack Strain into his family, 
old Jim counted himself almost invincible. Jack 
was a very powerful and active man, unsurpassed 
for thews and sinews, bone and muscle. 

The great fight of the county might, with pro- 
priety, be called that of Strain with Eoof. The 
county pretty much e7i masse witnessed it. It was 
a regular set-to — a prize fight not inferior, in the 
public estimation, to that of Hcenan and Sayers. 



64 HISTORY OF 

Jack fouglit with great sjiirit ; he fought, if not for 
his life, for his wife ; for ohl Jim swore that he 
(Strain) slioukl never sleep again Avith his daughter 
if he didn't whip him. 

When Craig was indicted the last time for fight- 
ing he told Judge Wilson "not to forget to he easy 
with him, as he was one of the best customers the 
court had." 

In wrestling with Tucker, Jim had his leg broken, 
which he often regretted, as he couldn't stand on 
his forks right. He was not a big, stout man, but 
struck an awful blow, and was well skilled in parry- 
ing oif blows. He called Ids striking a man giving 
him a "blizzard." He was a backwoodsman from 
Western Yirginia, but of Irish extraction — fond of 
grog, fond of company, fond of fighting, fan and 
frolic — kind-hearted, except when aroused by pas- 
sion, and then a very devil. He fought usually as 
a pastime, and not from great malice. His wife 
was an excellent, hospitable and clever woman. 
We have heard very many anecdotes of Craig, but 
have space for only one more. One of the last kind 
jicts of the old settler Avas his endeavoring to treat 
Bishop Chase when he first visited our town. Jim 
having heard much said of him as a preacher and 
a distinguished man, met him on the street, and, 
desiring to do the clever thing by the Bishop, ac- 
costed him with an invitation to treat. The Bishop 
was somewhat nettled at the oft'er, but declined going 
to a grocery with him, whereupon Jim pulled a 
flask from his pocket and insisted upon his taking 
a drink there. The Bishop indignantly refused, 
and Jim apologised, if the Bishop considered it an 




liartforcl,Conn 




KE^OX COUNTY. 65 

insult. " Bless your soul, Bishop, I think well of 
you, and have no other way to show that I am glad 
you have come to our count}^ but by inviting you to 
drink. Don't think hard of me." 

Craig's family consisted of eight girls, and he 
often regretted that he had no boys to learn how to 
fight. If the girls did not fight, they did run, and 
run well too. One of them, we recollect, was very 
fleet ; many a time did she run races in the old lane, 
between I^orton's and Bevans', and beat William 
Pettierrew and otlier of the earlv bovs, notwithstand- 
ing the scantiness of her dresses, which then were 
made of about one-third the §tuff it takes for a pat- 
tern in these fashionable davs of 186*2. 

At one time old Jim was singing to a crowd, when 
a smart young man, in sport, winked to those present 
and kicked his shins. The wink having been ob- 
served by him, he instantly drew back his fist and 
drove it plum between his eyes, felling him to the 
ground, at the same time exclaiming: "There, take 

that, d n you, and don't you ever attempt again 

to impose on 'old stift'er!'" 

5 



66 HISTOEYOr 



CHAPTER Y. 

Resume of the county seat question The gkapes were sour, and mount 

VERNON IS discovered BY THE CLINTONIANS TO BE "INELIGIBLE AND UN- 

HEAITHT." The legislature of 1808-9 were in some doubt. TUE ANTI- 

VERNONITES think the COUNTY SHOULD BE ENLARGED. — TlIE GENERAL 
ASSEMBLY OF OHIO THINK NOT. AGITATION CONTINUES 1810-11 AND 1811- 

12. — The dream is over — TpE inhabitants beg for roads — The great 
clinton library struggles for legislative recognition, and the 
light expires! 

The indomitable will of Samuel H. Smith and 
his associates from I^ew England, among whom we 
may mention the I*^yes, Ichabod, captain of the 
troop of horse, and his brother Samuel, Henry 
Smith, Samuel's nephew, Dr. Timothy Burr, the 
Barneys, Alexander Enos and others, kept the coun- 
try in commotion about the seat of justice. Xo 
stone was left unturned, no effort untried, to bring 
about its transfer to Clinton. Petitions ivere drawn 
up and runners traversed the country for signers. 
Erom the official record we giA e the following ex- 
hibit of the disposition made of them : 

December 26th, 1808, Mr. Holden presented to the 
House sundry petitions fi"om a number of the inhab- 
itants of Knox county, setting forth that they feel 
much aggrieved in consequence of the ineligible and 
very unhealthy situation of the present seat of jus- 
tice of said county, and for various other reasons 



KlfOXCOUlfTT. 67 

therein stated, praying tliat commissioners may be 
ax^i^ointed to fix the seat of justice for the said county 
of Knox in some more eligible and healthy situation ; 
which said petitions were read and referred to a 
committee of Mr. Holden, Mr. Owings, of Eairfield, 
and Mr. Blair, of Franklin and Delaware, to report 
their opinion thereupon by bill or otherwise. 

Mr. Merwin, (Elijah B.) of Fairfield, presented, 
on the next day, a remonstrance from sundry citi- 
zens of Knox county against action as prayed for 
in above named petitions. 

The cunning old fox managing the Clinton claim 
devised an additional scheme whereby to bring 
about such increase of territory northward as would 
throw Mount Vernon farther from the centre than 
Clinton, and accordingly we find that — 

Mr. Holden presented to the House petitions 
signed by sundry inhabitants of Knox county, set- 
ting forth that it will be greatly to their advantage, 
and to the advantage of the public in general, to 
have the county extended so far north as to take in 
one tier of townshij)s, as it will be perceived, by the 
map of the State, that the county lying north of 
them, known by the name of Bichland, is much 
larger than Knox, and by attaching one tier of town- 
ships to said county of Knox it will be giving a 
more equal number of square miles to each county 
than there is at present; which was received and 
read, and referred to the same committee to whom 
was committed, on the 26th inst., the petitions, re- 
monstrances, &c., on the subject of the seat of jus- 
tice of Knox county. — House Journal, 2)({ffe 93, Bee. 
SOtJi, 1808. 



68 HISTOKTOF 

On the 30th of December, on motion of Mr. 
Thomas Morris, of Clermont, and seconded, Order- 
ed, that Mr. George Clark, of Cohimbiana and Stark, 
be added to the committee appointed on the 26th 
Inst., on the snbject of the seat of justice of Knox 
county, and the matters from time to time to them 
referred. 

On the 12th of Januarv, 1809, on motion, and 
leave being granted, Mr. Holden j^resented at the 
clerk's table two remonstrances, of the same purport, 
from sundry inhabitants of Knox county, remon- 
strating against petitions presented to this House, 
praying for a review of the seat of justice of said 
county, and a removal of it from Mount Vernon to 
some more eligible and healthy situation. The 
remonstrants therein set forth that they are fully of 
opinion that, unless a fraud or neglect be made to 
apj)ear against the first viewers appointed by the 
Legislature at the last session for the j)urpose of 
permanently fixing the seat of justice of said county, 
that your honorable body will not grant a view bare- 
ly for the purpose of gratifying self-interest ; that, 
in consequence of the seat of justice being estab- 
lished at Mount Yernon, a number of lots have been 
purchased and improved, and also that upwards of 
$400 ha ye been appropriated for the building of a 
jail, and for other reasons, by the aforesaid remon- 
strants set forth more particularly, praying that the 
said petition praying for the removal of the seat of 
justice aforesaid may be rejected; and the same 
being received and read, were referred to the com- 
mittee upon that subject appointed on the 2Gth ult. 

On page 115, House Journal, January 11th, 1809, 



KIfOXCOU:N^TY. 69 

tlie following entry stands: "On motion, and by 
leave of the House, Mr. Holden, from tlie commit- 
tee appointed on tlie 26tli nit., presented at tlie 
clerk's table a report, as follows : ' The committee 
to whom was referred the petition of sundry inhab- 
itants of the county of Knox, praying that one tier 
of townships lying south of Kichland county be 
attached to the said county of Knox; also sundry 
petitions from the inhabitants of said county, pray- 
ing that commissioners be appointed to review and 
fix the seat of justice of said county in some more 
healthy and eligible situation than Mount Yernon ; 
have, according to order, had under their consider- 
ation the said petitions, and are of opinion that the 
prayer of the said petitions is unreasonable, and 
ought not to be granted.' " 

Monday, January 16th, said report came up, and 
it was Ordered, that it be committed to a committee 
of the whole House, and made the order of the day 
for Saturday next. 

On the 25th of January, House Journal, page 
181, Mr. Merwin moved for the order of the day, 
whereupon the House, according to order, resolved 
itself into committee of the whole House, and, after 
some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the 
chair, and Mr. Jewett reported that the committee, 
according to order, had under their consideration a 
report of the select committee, made on the 14th 
inst., on the petitions from sundry inhabitants of 
Knox county, and had agreed to the said report; 
and tlie same being read was agreed to by the 
House, viz: that the petitions aforesaid are unreas- 
onable, and ought not to be granted. 



70 HISTORYOF 

At the 9tli session of the General Assembly, held 
at Zanes^ille, December 3d, 1810, the subject of 
removal of the county seat from Mount Vernon was 
again agitated. By the Senate Journal, page 163, 
we find that Mr. Trimble presented a batch of x)eti- 
tions, praying a review, which was referred to a 
committee. On page 166, we find Mr. Trimble, 
from committee, reported tliat, in their opinion, 
commissioners ought to be appointed to examine and 
make report to the next Legislature the place they 
tliink proper for the seat of justice of Knox county. 
The said report was read. A motion was made 
that said report be committed to a committee of the 
whole Senate, and made the order of this dav; and 
on the question thereon it was decided in the nega- 
tive. On motion. Ordered, that the further consid- 
eration of said report be postponed till the first 
Monday in December next. 

At the next session it received its final quietus. 
Mount Vernon had improved in the intermediate 
time very much, and thenceforth its star has been 
in the ascendant. Clinton continues but a few 
years longer as a business place, and after the depart- 
ure of its chief worker to other parts, its people 
moved to Mount Vernon, Fredericktown, and else- 
where, and not one of the old inhabitants there re- 
mains to tell tliat Clinton has been an important 
town in the history of Knox county. 

On the 23d of January, 1809, Mr. Holden pre- 
sented at the clerk's table a petition from sundry 
inhabitants of the county of Licking, also a petition 
from sundry inhabitants of the counties of Licking, 
Knox and Richland, setting forth their remote situ- 



KNOXCOTJI^TY. 71 

ation from water carriage, and tlie necessity of hav- 
ing good roads ; that they have 7io road ivlicrehy they 
can receive letters, or any hind of intelligence, or any 
'property from any part of tlie United States, or this 
kState, except by chance or private conveyance, near- 
er than N^ewark or Zanesville, and praying for the 
establishment of a road from Xewark, in Licking 
county ; thence to Mount Yernon, in Knox county ; 
thence to Mansiickl,in Richhind county ; and thence 
to the mouth of the river Huron, Lake Erie, &c.; 
which were read. 

On motion, and on leave being granted by the 
House, Mr. Merwin presented at the clerk's table a 
petition from sundry inhabitants of Eairfield county, 
of a similar nature to the before mentioned petitions, 
j)raying for the establishment of a road from Lan- 
caster, in said county, through Mount Yernon, in 
Knox county, to the Portage, in Cuyahoga. — House 
Journal, page 177. 

Among the questions of great moment at this 
time to the people of the State was, whether the 
Clinton Library Society should be incorporated or 
not. It appears that Samuel H. Smith and other 
live Yankees of Clinton had conceived the idea of 
founding a vast and comprehensive library at that 
point, and at the session of the General Assembly 
of 1807, Mr. Dillon laid before the Senate a petition 
of Samuel H. Smith and others of the town of Clin- 
ton and its vicinity, in Eairfield county, for the in- 
corporation of the " Clinton Library and School or 
Academy Society." After its reference to a com- 
mittee, and about two months travail, it finally got 
through the Senate on the 6th of Eebruary, 1808. 



72 HISTORY OF 

In the House it had a perilous trip, was attacked 
upon several sides, discussed elaborately, and at 
length Avent down before the storm. — House Jonr- 
nal, imge 171. 

At the next session onr literary friends at Clinton 
again pressed their favorite measure ; they petition- 
ed, implored, entreated, supplicated and prayed, 
they had lobbies on the ground to leg for it, and 
triumphantly they carried it through the House into 
the Senate, with an amendment to it, that was not 
very acceptable ; but this time the grave and rever- 
end Senators were obdurate and flint-hearted, and 
page 111 of the Senate Journal of the Seventh 
General Assembly shows how they "killed it." 

" Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more ! " 

With a pluck worthy of a noble cause, tlic Clin- 
tonians beseeched and beset and besieged the next 
General Assembly for an act that would enable 
them to preserve their fine library from destruction 
by those literar}^ Goths and Vandals — the moths 
and vampires ; but all their etforts were unavailing, 
and posterity have been thus deprived of an accumu- 
lation of books that might in time have eclipsed the 
far-famed librarv of Alexandria. One of the oldest 
inhabitants has kindly placed in our hands one of 
the books, bearing the Olintonian mark, which he 
bought at the winding up of the concern for the just 
sum of 18| cents lawful money. 

Indignant at the conduct of the illiterate General 
Assembly, the stock-holders withdrew from W\^ en- 
terprise, and sold at auction the library for $7.50 and 
the book-case for %\^ ; and thus terminated a great 



KS^OXCOUITTT. 73 

measnrewliicli agitated three sessions of the General 
Assembly of our State, costing the people in time 
consumed upon it by their K-epresentatiTCS, Senators, 
etc., from eight to ten thousand dollars, and illus- 
trating fully the character of the greater part of 
special and local legislation which, like much of a 
general character, may be termed all "cry and no 
TTOol," and shoyrno substance, all ending in smoke. 
At the time, howeyer, the natiyes of Mount Yernon 
regarded it as a seyen horned monster that would 
driye them out of existence, and they looked with 
holy horror at haying such an incorporated body at 
Clinton, which might accomplish their oyerthrow 
and cause them to lose the county seat. The sons 
of some who shook in their breeches with dread, 
may now shake in their boots, conyulsed by laugh- 
ter at this reminiscence. 



74: HISTOEYOF 



CHAPTEE yi. 

TRANSACTIONS OF THE YEAR 1809. 
The commissioners in trouble about taxes. — The heavy drain on the 

TREASURY FOR WOLF SCALPS. TlIE CLERK's BRAIN BECOMES CONFUSED BY 

REPEATED DEMANDS. TlIE WOLVES INVADE THE TOWN. DOINGS OF THE 

COURT AND COMMISSIONERS. ThE COUNTY JAIL COMPLETED. ThE FIRST 

SETTLEMENT WITH THE TREASURER, AND SKETCH OF THAT OFFICER. 

Ii!^ the beginning of tliis year the people of the 
county were in sore distress at prosj)ects of heavy 
taxation, the money in the treasury having been 
exhausted in paying the commissioners who had 
located the countv seat, the heavy demands for kill- 
ing wolves, and such like expenses. 

On Monday, the 23d of January, 1809, the com- 
missioners met at Mount Yernon, and were in a 
"peck of trouble," if we may judge from the fol- 
lowing entry: 

" The board, taking into consideration the situation of the taxes 
on resident and non-resident lands, the board, on an investigation 
of the business, do order Every paper and document thereunto 
belonging to be forwarded to the Auditor of State. 

" Ordered, that the board do adjourn until next Monday." 

Among the orders issued this year, we find the 
following for killing wolves : 

" Tn George (.^ooper $1.50 for killing one grown wolf, proven 
before .John Green. 



KNOX COUls'TY. 75 

" To John Cook $4.50 for killiug tLree grown wolves, proven 
before Wm. W. Farqiihar. 

" To James Black $3 for killing two grown wolves, proven be- 
fore Wm. Y. Farquliar. 

" To John Jennings $1.50 for killing one grown wolf, proven 
before John Green. 

" To Ephraim McMillen S3 for killing two grown wolves, proven 
before Abraham Darling. 

" To Levi Herrod for killing two grown wolves, proven before 
John Green. 

" To Francis Hardista $3 for killing two grown wolves, proven 
before Matthew Merritt. 

" To John Lash $1.50 for killing one grown wolf, proven before 
John Green. 

" To George Sap $3 for killing two grown wolves, proven before 
Abraham Darling. 

" To Joseph Harriss $1.50 for killing one grown wolf, proven 
before John Green. 

" To Francis Hardista $3 for killing two grown wolves, proven 
before M. Merritt. 

" To George Sap $1.50 for killing one grown wolf, proven before 
Abraham Darling. 

" To Joseph Bryant $1.50 for killing one grown wolf. 

" To Ephraim McMillen $4.50 for killing three grown wolves." 

So mucli in tlie habit of issuing wolf orders had 
James Smith, clerk, gotten by this time, that we 
tind on the journals an order issued for commission- 
er's services reading thus : 

" Ordered, that the treasurer pay to Henry Markley the sum of 
$3.50 for killing two wolves as services as commissioner of this 
coimty." 

The day's services being confounded in the clerk's 
mind with wolf scalps. 

Notwithstanding the abundance of game of this 
kind, and the facility with Avhich the old sportsmen 
could take the scalps, the howling varmints seemed 



76 HISTOEYOF 

to be on the increase, and, like grey hairs, for eveiy 
one plucked two took their place, and hence our 
commissioners grew more determined to extirpate 
them, and made the following order on the 7th of 
June, 1809 : 

" Ordered, that all persons who shall kill and procure the scalps 
of grown wolves and panthers within our Balawick, and produce a 
certificate thereof, according to law, after this date, shall be allowed 
$2, and all those who shall kill and procure the same of wolves and 
panthers and scalps of six months and under shall be allowed $1." 

The first demands made upon the treasury under 
this act were by John Mitchell and Francis Hardis- 
ta, each of whom had killed a grown wolf. For a 
time these inhuman derils disputed the mastery 
with the white man, and it seemed somewhat doubt- 
ful which would come oif victor in the contest and 
retain possession of the lands upon Owl Creek. 
They ncitlier had fear of the church ecclesiastic or 
the military power ; they frightened the women and 
children, and hung about the heels of men, setting- 
all laws and threats at defiance. One old settler 
has told us of liis having on a Sabbath day killed a 
large wolf near Grod's barn at Clinton which was 
making off with one of Sam. Smith's geese, while 
the people w^ere serving the Lord ; another of his 
friends having been present witli the whole military 
of the county parading on general muster day, when 
a fierce black wolf attacked one of George Zin's 
pigs within a stone's throw north-east of the public 
square, when the army gave pursuit, and it was 
finally killed by Captain Joe Walker; where ui^oii 
a grand spree was taken by the whole military and 



KKOX COUNTY. 77 

citizens of tlie town, glorifying over tlie great en- 
gagement till whisky was drank to more than the 
value of the wolf scalp. 

Grand events those in the hardy pioneer's life ! 
And yet, at this day not a spot bears the name of 
Wolf, nor does a creek or branch commemorate 
such achievements. And posterity, were it not for 
these pages, we fear, would be in blissful ignorance 
of the fact that there were any other inhabitants of 
these classic lands than owls and Indians when the 
men of the hunting shirt and rifle first navigated 
this famous river in scallops and pirogues. 



THE THIRD TERM OF DISTRICT COURT, AND WHAT WAS DONE 

THEN. 

" Court of Common Pleas was opened at Mount Vernon the 2d 
day of January, 1809. Present: Jentlemen the Honorable Wil- 
liam Wilson, President, John Mills and Wm. Gass, Associate 
Judges. A Grand Juiy was called and qualified for the body of 
this county, to wit: Jas, Walker, Sen'r, foreman, Eleazer Biggs, 
John Baxter, John Beam, Joseph Walker, Levi Ilerrod, Nathaniel 
Scritchfield, Wm. Herrod, David Johnson, Jas. Strange, Jas. 
Walker, Jr., Wm. Cooper and Jonathan Craig, who, after receiving 
their charge. Returned out of Court. 

" On the 2d day of the Term the Grand Jury retiu'ned, but found 
no Indictments. 

" Ordered, that the Court adjourn until 2 o'clock this evening. 

" The Court opened according to adjournment. Present : as 
before. 

" JoJin Armstrong vs. John Kerr. — On Trespass. Continued by 
consent of parties. 

" Jacoh Young vs. Abraham Lyon. — On an action of Trespass 
on the case. Continued by consent of parties. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Aaron Brown. — On an Indictment. The 
defendant plead guilty, and is fined SI. 00 and the costs of prosecu- 
tion, and stands convicted until the whole be complied with. 



78 HISTORY OF 

" License is granted to William Perrine to retail goods for three 
months, on payment of $2.50. 

" John Green is admitted Administrator of Isaac McClary. 
Bond, $1000. Abner Brown and John Herrod securities. 

" License is granted to Benjamin Tapper to sell goods three 
months, on payment of $2.50. 

" The State of Ohio vs. John Click. — Nolle is entered by Her- 
rick, att'y. 

" Thomas Parr vs. John Craig. — William Walker undertook 
for the defendant in case he should be cast he would satisfy the 
condemnation of the Court, or render his body a prisoner in lieu 
thereof. 

" Court adjourned till to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 

" The Court opened according to adjournment, and present, as 
yesterday. 

" Thomas B. Patterson, for the use of Moses Righj, vs. Samuel 
Kratzer. — Parties agreed to reference to the Court, who adjudged 
$2.55 debt and costs for the plaintiff. 

"Court adjourned till 2 o'clock. 

" 2 o'clock P. M. 

" William Wallace is authorized to keep a publick house of enter- 
tainment for one year, on payment of $5.00 

" William Fuller is licensed to keep a publick house of enter- 
tainment on the road leading from Mount Vernon to Newark, on 
payment of $4.00. 

" Ordered, that the Court adjourn until the Court in course. 

" WILLIAM WILSON." 

THE COUNTY JAIL BUILT, AND ITS FIRST OCCUPANT— ACCOUNT 
OF ITS SUBSEQUENT CAREER, AND THAT OF ITS SUCCESSOR. 

On the 6tli of June, 1808, the commissioners of 
this county, finding the great want of a jail in said 
town, and by virtue of the j)owers vested in them by 
law, 

" Ordered, a jail to be built, 24 feet long, 16 feet wide, 9 feet 
high, with square timber of one foot square, including the upper and 
lower floor, and a petition of like timber, with a good shingle roof, 
and stone or brick chimney, three windows, with iron grates, of 6 



KXOXCOUI^TY. 79 

lights eacla, and 2 sufficient doors, one on the outside and ov.f in 
the petition in the inside, and the walls, petition, and lower Hoor 
lined with 3 inch plank, spiked on with spikes 7 inches. The front 
door marked A and petition door B to be of 1^ inch stuff; chim- 
ney. The jail to be built on the public square of said town, on a 
corner." 

On the 31st of January the following entry is 
made upon the journal : 

" This day the board has proceeded to the Ex'n of the jail, and 
finding the same unfinished they do allow the undertakers thereof 
until the first day of May next to finish the same, agreeable to the 
article of agreement in that case made and provided." 

On the 2d of May, 1809, 

" Ordered, that the commissioners do receive the jail from the 
hands of John Mills, Alexander Walker, and James Walker, Sr., 
provided that the said Mills and others do saw down the corners of 
said jail, and then our Clerk shall have authority to issue orders on 
the treasury for the sum of 433 dollars and 50 cents, as shall appear 
by a reference to the agreement, and that the Clerk issue orders of 
such sizes as the Claimants may desire, with their proper numbers 
to the above amount." 

The jail being then declared completed, the com- 
missioners ordered 50 cents to be expended by 
Joseph Walker for two steeples and hasj) for the 
jail. 

The calaboose having been duly prepared, the 
officers of the law became exceedingly self-import- 
ant, consequential and overbearing. Michael Click, 
an old Dutchman, who was fond of grog, was taken 
up, "tight as a musket," and locked up in the quar- 
ters. The constable had gone down street and was 
boasting of his exploit in taking up Mike, when the 
voice of the old fellow was heard just behind them. 



80 HISTORYOF 

slioiiting at tlie top of his lungs: "By tarn, tliey 
cau't keep me in tlieir tammed sliail — I am trumps, 
by Ct — d." He had crawled up tlie chimney till he 
got near the top and stuck fast, when, as he said, he 
''swelled and bursted" it open, and then jumped to 
the ground, a free man once again. 

The chimney was repaired at the expense of the 
county, and Click, several weeks after, when con- 
fined '-broke out," and, meeting Judge Wilson on 
the street, narrated his several jail exploits in great 
glee, vowing tliat they never could keep old Mike 
in that jail any longer than it suited him to stay, 
for he had lent a hand when it was built and knew 
all its weak points. Eor several years, however, 
this little log concern served as a nominal terror to 
evil doers. At lengih so many escapes were made 
from it, that its fate was sealed, and it was sold to 
Wm. Y. Earquhar, who moved it to the outskirts 
of town and constructed out of it a sort of a tobacco 
house. 

The commissioners, on the 4th of December, 
1823, determined to erect another jail and jailor's 
house, on the square, of brick, which remained an 
eye-sore to the people of the town until about 1850, 
when John Armstrong, Street Commissioner, and 
A. Banning l^orton. Councilman of the Third 
Ward, in grading and excavating the north-east part 
of the public square, with "malice aforethought" 
undermined it, and caused the removal of that pile 
of rubbish. 



KlfOX COU]^TY. 81 



FOUETH TERM COURT OF COMMON PLEAS— 1st DAY OF MAY, 

1809. 

" Grand Jury. — David Demmick, foreman, Moses Craig, Wm. 
Downs, Jas. Craig, David Johnson, Jeremiah Brown, Charles 
Cooper, Ziba Leonard, Nathaniel M. Young, John Kerr, John Cook, 
James Loveridge, James Walker, Jr., who returned out of Court, 
and after some time returned in Court, with the following indict- 
ments, to wit: 

" The State of Ohio vs. Wm. Wallace. — For salt and batterj, a 
true bill, and pleads guilty, the Court do say, that the defendant do 
pay a fine of $1 and costs of this prosecution. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Wm. Cooper. — For same offense, the 
same fine is assessed. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Wm. Cooper. — Same, and same fine. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Wm. Scritchfeld. — For same offense. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Peter Baxter. — For same offense. 

" Luhe Walpole vs. Wm. Wallace. — James Craig becomes se- 
curity. 

" Thomas Parr vs. James Craig. — Judgment by confession for 
$91.81 and costs of suit. 

" Wm. A. Enui vs. Samuel Kratzer. — Judgment by confession, 
$66.92 and costs. 

" John Bcesy vs. Samuel Kratzer. — Michael Click becomes se- 
curity. 

" Wm. Douglass \&. John Young. — Nathaniel M. Young becomes 
security. 

" One o'clock P. M. 
" John Armstrong vs. John Kerr. — Tried by Jury, and defendant 
not found guilty of Trespass. The plaintiff, by E. Ilerrick, his 
attorney, gives notice of an appeal. 

" Wm. Biggs, who sues as well for himself as for the State of 
Ohio, vs. Willia^n Darling. — Ordered, that the plaintiff appear in 
Court to-morrow morning and enter security for costs, or he become 
non plus. 

"License issued to Benj. Tupper to retail goods 4 months for 
I3.33J. 

" James Smith is appointed clerk for seven years. 
" Court adjourns till to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock. 
6 



82 HISTORYOr 

" May 2—9 o'clock A. M. 

" The Biggs case is disposed of by the following entry : Ordered, 
that the plaintiff be non-suit for not entering security for costs. 

" Edward Herrick is allowed 825 for each term as prosecuting 
attorney. 

" Ordered, that the clerk have authority to issue license to John 
Baxter and Michael Click each to keep a public house of entertain- 
ment until next term, on their paying the proper sum. 

" Adjourned till the next Court in coiirse." 

IMPORTANT ACTS OF COMMISSIONERS IN REGARD TO RATES OF 
TAXATION AND OTHER MATTERS— PECULIARITY OF THE OLD 
CLERK IN SPELLING— HIGH AUTHORITY QUOTED. 

On the 5th of March " a petition was forwarded to the board of 
Commissioners of this county, praying for a Road Leading from the 
town of Mansfield on a South East direction, to intersect with the 
State road near the fifty-four mile tree, to run on a straight direction 
as the ground will admit, to intersect the State road, and the board 
do declare that the same is inexpedient. '^ 

" The tax on "William Douglass' mill is ordered to be taken off, 
.as it is a public benefit. 

" James Morgan is ordered to be taxed fourfold for refusing to 
give in five horses to the lister of Union Township." 

On the 7th of June the Commissioners " Ordered, that the rates 
of licens* of Taverns hereafter obtained for one year in this county 
shall be as follows : In the town of Mount Vernon, on the Public 
Sq[uare, and on Market Street, shall be rated at six dollars; all 
Taverns in the Town of Frederick and in the Town of Clinton, and 
on the road leading from the Town of Mount Vernon to Newark, 
within the county of Knox, at Five dollars ; all Taverns in any 
other part of the Town of Mount Vernon, at five dollars; all taverns 
on roads leading through any part of the county, or Richland 
county, at four dollars." 

The rates of taxation on the county levy were 
estahlished as follows : 



* The first clerk was a very good pensman, a gentleman and scholar; but 
like General Jackson, he had his peculiarities of spelling and pronuncia- 
tion, as, for instance, license without the E final, and gentlemen with a J. 



KKOXCOUJfTT. 83 

" On each stud liorse and jack at the rate of what he stands at 
the season." 

" On each other horse, mare, mule and ass, 30 cents. 

"On each head of neat cattle, 10 cents; on houses, and other 
property made subject to taxation by law, one-half per cent, on its 
appraised value." 

At tliis time liorses were valncd for taxation at 
$30 per head, and cattle at $10. The trouble about 
the tax duplicate and matters connected therewith 
was satisfactorily adjusted, as appears by the follow- 
ing entry on the 27th of June : 

" This day we have prepared our duplicate for Collection, and 
prepared our Returns for the Auditor of the State of Ohio." 

Great was the relief of the board at having ar- 
ranged matters which had troubled them from 
January till June 27th ! 

" James Smith is appointed collector of the Taxes for the year 
1809, and gave bond. 

In September, 1809, we find: "On return of a Road laid out 
from Mount Vernon to a point on Mohicking, the viewers return the 
same unprofitable, and the same is Rejected." 

KNOX COMMON PLEAS— FIFTH TERM— SEPTEMBER 4, 1809. 

" Grand Jury. — Jabez Beers, Joe Walker, George Downs, Gil- 
man Bryant, John Baxter, George Lybarger, Henry Roberts, 
Thomas Townsend, Jonathan Hunt, Sen'r, John Green, James 
Craig, Samuel Wilson, Benj. Thompson, and Wm. Johnson, returned 
into Court and brought in the following Indictments: 

" The State of Ohio vs. Henry Smith. — For retailing liquors 
contrary to the statute of this State ; a true bill ; who appears and 
pleads guilty. The attorney for the State of Ohio will no further 
prosecute this Indictment. 

"Ed. Herrick, Pro. AtVy. 



84 HISTOET OF 

" Sa7ne vs. Bcnjaviin Butler. — For retailing S. liquors contrary 
to tlie statute of tins State ; who comes forward and puts in his 
plea — Guilty. The Court, in consideration of his offense, do assess 
his fine to $3. 

" Same vs. Samuel Martin. — For same. Henry Roberts, John 
Harod and James Bryant enter into recognizance of $50 each to 
give evidence in this case. 

" Same'ys,. Wm. McDovgal. — For retailing goods without license. 
Pleads guilty, i&c. 

" Luke WaJjwle vs. Wm. Wallace. — Trespass on the case. 
Judgment hy confession, 891.88, and Interest from 11th Jan'y, and 
costs. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Feter Baxter. — For assault and battery. 

" Jury. — James Walker, Jr., Peter Kyle, Sr., James Bryant, 
Abraham Sperry, Alexander Walker, John Hown, Daniel Dem- 
mick, Isaac Bonnett, Charles Cooper, James Walker, Sr., John 
Click, David Pettigrew, who do say the defendant is guilty. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Wm. Scritchjield. — Assault and battery. 
Defendant pleads guilty, and is fined fifty cents and costs. 

" John Barry vs. Samuel Kratzcr. — On the case. Judgment 
confessed by defendant for $200, with interest from 26th April, 

1806. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Peter Baxter. — John Merritt becomes 
his security in $50 for his appearance next Court. 

" The State of Ohio vs. John Morryson. — For assault and bat- 
tery. Jury's verdict — Xot guilty. 

" John J. Brvce vs. Thomas B. Patterson, Joseph Walker, Gil- 
man Bryant. — This cause is to be continued until 1st of October 
for answer to bill of plaintiff. 

" Wm. Douglass vs. John Young. — On the case. The parties 
appeared and settled. 

♦' Christian Shoolts vs. James Walker, Jr. — On the case. Settled. 

" John Byard vs. W?n. Walker. — On the case. Settled. 

" Sylvanius Lawrence, for the use of Be??jamin Rush, vs. George 
Davison. — Nathaniel Spurgeon and Wm. Scritchfield appeared and 
undertook for the defendant's appearance, &c. 

" License is granted to Henry Smith to keep public house for 
one year. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Peter Baxter. — On Indictment. Defend- 
ant pleads guilty, and is fined 50 cents and cost. 



KI^OX COUNTY. 85 

" Robert Dalrymple vs. Joseph Tahnage. — On the case. Con- 
tinued till next term. 

" 5th September. 

" Michael Click, John Baxter, Samuel Lewis and Abner Ayres 
obtain licenses for houses of public entertainment. 

" Wm. McDonald and Benjamin Tupper are each licensed to sell 
goods. 

" Samuel H. Smith is also licensed to retail goods one year, on 
payment of $10.00. 

"Letters of administration on Michael Shinabery's estate are 
issued to Catharine Shinabery. Gilmau Bryant and George 
Downes, securities; John Mills, Matthew Mant and James Smith, 
appraisers. 

" Court adjourned till the next Court in course." 



THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY TREASURER. 

The first fiscal year of Knox conuty made the 
fi)Uowing showing on settlement of the Treasurer 
with the Commissioners, and "from a full inyesti- 
gation of all the accounts and monies paid into his 
hands as Treasurer, that the said Treasurer has paid 
and accounted with us for aboye, the same twenty- 
three dollars seyenty cents and four mills, which is 
as follows: 

Dr. Treasurer to am't of monies Due to the county S906.60.4 

Cr. By monies paid and accounted for from June last until 

this day, June 6th, 1809 930.30.8 

To order in your favour on settlement 23.70.4 

Balance 906.60.4 



930.30.8 



" Ordered, that Henry Hains be allowed the sum of $23.70.4, 
which is a balance due him on settlement as Treasurer of Knox 
county, and the Tx-easurer is ordered to pay the same." 



86 HISTOKTOF 



THE TREASURER OF KNOX COUNTY FOR SEVEN YEARS— HIS 

MELANCHOLY EXIT. 

Hcniy Haines, first Treasurer of Knox county, 
was one of tlie best men in the county at its organ- 
ization. He was a native of , and settled on 

the tract of land, since owned by Beams and 
others, next to the Merritts. 

He had been a man of education and property, 
and was in easy circumstances. He was a very in- 
genious, handy man, had a turning lathe, made 
chairs, farmed, etc. He became deranged on the 
subject of religion, was an active and leading mem- 
ber of the Discij)le or Christian denomination, at 
that time called "Kew Lights." He officiated with 
James Smith in the first conference held in the 
county, of which David Young, of Zanesville, was 
Presiding Elder. 

Haines became a loud exhorter, and, becoming 
deranged, got a tin horn and rode around the town 
and county, day and night, notifying the people to 
prej)aTe for judgment, as the world was coming to 
an end. He proclaimed the same doctrine in his 
derangement that IMillerites subsequently did. 

When he became ungovernable he was taken to 
Dr. R. D. Moore, who confined him in a mad shirt, 
or straight jacket, and treated him for several weeks 
until he was restored to reason ; but he said if he 
ever became insane again he would kill Dr. Moore. 
Shortl}^ after this the doctor removed to Fayette 
county, Pa., and Haines again became deranged, 
and was missing for some time. Search was made 
for him, but the first information that his family 



KKOX COUNTY. 87 

received of his whereabouts was in a letter from 
Dr. Moore. He had made his way into Oonnells- 
ville for the purpose of killing the doctor, and had 
stolen the family silver spoons to pay his way in. 
Upon arriving there he had become rational again, 
and he told what his purpose had been, and staj'ed 
several weeks with the doctor, and was treated very 
kindly by him. !Not long after this he took a rope 
and hung himself to a tree on his own farm. 



88 HISTOKYOF 



CHAPTEE YII. 

THE SEAT OF JUSTICE FOR THE LAST TIME. 

Ben. Butler's version of the way mount ternon was made the perma- 
nent COUNTY seat, showing THAT OLD VIRGINIA WAS UP TO TRICKS. 

The only one of tlie proprietors now living re- 
lated to us tlie following interesting story : — 

"^Vlien I moTed my family to tlie thirty-six 
acres of land which I had bought, I had no thought 
of ever laying out any portion of it in town lots, or 
of any town ever being laid out there, nor at that 
time had Walker or Patterson. The idea, when 
suggested, was pleasing, and we at once took up 
with it. Clinton had been laid out by Sam. Smith, 
and had never been paid out, I believe. It was 
started chiefly on the donation principle. Those 
who would put up buildings had their own time to 
pay for their lots, if ever they could. 

"When we got word that the Commissioners 
were coming on to locate the county site, we were 
greatly stirred up about how we should manage. 
Kratzer and Williamson and Walker came to see 
me about it, and we all had a general consultation. 
I thought we had no chance of getting it, for I told 
them that they had, at Clinton, Bill Douglass' mill 
and a lot of good houses, and Sam. Smith's big 



KNOX COUNTY. 



89 



brick house, and a plenty of smart Yankees to 
manage, and they had at Frederick Johnny Kerr's 
mill and a lot of ricli Quakers around it, and both 

those places looked better then than our d d 

little scrubby place ; and Sam. Kratzer asked me 




'•^ii':.AmMsssJi/W 



n 



0^-n^fcon^-<riy i,'^J UytiUu 







what I would do about it % And I said to them 

that I had studied out a pretty d d bad trick 

that I could manage if they would only go into it, 

and if they wouldn't there wasn't a d d bit of 

chance for us ; and they said, let's hear it ; and I 
told them I would give $10 myself, and each of 



90 HISTOEYOr 

them must give f 10, to make up a purse and get 
liquor for tlie devils we had, and engage them to 
go up to Clinton and Ercderick, and get drunk, and 
fiddle and fight and play hell generally when the 
Commissioners came up there to look, and that we 
would get two good yoke of oxen to work on the 
streets, and the rest of the men must take hold and 
spade and shovel and pick and roll logs and dig up 
stumps, and be fixing up the streets right, while 
all the women and girls must get out into their 
gardens, hoeing and weeding and working like 
good fellows, and I would have the best victuals 
cooked and the best cheer the little old tavern could 
afibrd, so as to please the bellies of the Commis- 
sioners, and we might then come out first for the 
county site selection. 

"My plan struck their fancy, and Sam. Kratzer, 
. although he was a great Methodist, didn't say a 

d d word about its being a sin to cheat them 

that game, but at it he went, and they all fell into 
the \Aan. And we had a clever fellow named 
Munson, from Granville, and a big fellow named 
Bixbee, from over about Big-bell}^, and they agreed 
to go along and each to captain a gang of the row- 
dies, and see that it was played out right. 

" It was Thursday afternoon when the Commis- 
sioners first came to our town, and they rode up 
and asked me if they could get to stay all night, 
and I told them that it was hard fare we had, but 
if they would put up with it they could, and they 
stopped. 1 guessed who they were at once, and 
j)assed the word around, and everything went on 
as we had planned it, and the next morning about 



KNOX COUNTY. 91 

dayliglit the busiest set of bees ever collected about 
a bive were at work, bammering, pounding, dig- 
ging, lioeing, scraping and working on the streets 
and in the lots. Leah had breakfast bright and 
early ; I had their horses all cleaned up and well 
fed, and ready after they eat to start. They won- 
dered at the work they saw going on, and if it was 
kept up always as they had seen it in town, and I 
told them we were all poor and hard working, and 
we never lost any time in our little town. They 
said they were going up to Clinton and Prederick 
to see those places, and were going to fix the county 
seat, and wanted me to go along, but I tried to beg 
off — that I was poor and must work, and couldn't 
lose the time, as it would take them two or three 
days to determine it. They said no, it wouldn't 

take them that long, and I knew d d well if the 

trick was played out well by the rowdies that they 
would soon be back, so I sort of hesitated as though 
I would and I wouldn't go, and finally told Krat- 
zer if he would go too, I would, as I would like to 
see them fix the county seat up there, and then Jim 
Dunlap, who was a jovial fellow about 35, spoke up 
and said to come ahead ; the other two were sort of 
gruff, it seemed to me, and didn't say much, but 
looked solemn. They asked if we didn't expect to 
get the county seat at Mount Yernon, and I told 
them no, that we were too poor to try for it ; that 
I felt too poor really to go uj) with them, for some 
fellow might come along and stop with me, who 
would want me to go w ith him and look at land, 
and every fellow that I showed land to, gave me $2, 
which helped right smart. There were three sorts 



92 HISTORY OF 

of poor — Grod's poor, the devil's poor, and poor 
devils, and that we were all poor devils ; but Sam. 
Smith was long headed, and Johnny Kerr had lots 
of rich Quakers to back him, so us poor de\ils were 
left out of the question. 

" We then rode together up to Clinton, and there 
the rowdies were cutting up, and the fiddle going, 
and shouting and cursing being done of the tallest 
kind, and when we went to go into the tavern there 
was a rush to the door wav, and two men scuffling 
and fighting, and before the Commissioners could 
get in they were jammed and scuffed about, and in 
the din and confusion, and yells of ' pull them olf,' 
'■ part them,' ' don't do it,' ' fair play, by G — d,' 

* hit him again, d n him,' •' let 'em fight it out,' 

and all such calls, the Commissioners backed out 
from the tavern, and proposed to go and look at 
Predericktown. About that time old Sam. Smith 
came up, and when he found out they Avere the 
Commissioners, and going, he tried the hardest kind 
to get them to stop, but it was no go ; they had 
seen enougli of that place then, but promised him 
to call again to-morrow. On the way to Frederick- 
town I talked much mth them, and apologized for 
the way our people up there had acted, and they 
asked me if they cut up like Indians all the time, 
and I told them that about Clinton and Erederick 
there were a great many ricli men's sons, and they 
had no trades, and would frolic a little just to put 
in their time, but they were a mighty clever set of 
peox)le, &c. And I pointed out to them the pretty 
scenery, and bragged on the land around, but said 
not a word for Mount Yernon. When we got to 



KNOXCOUNTT. 93 

Erederick, tliey stopped at Ajtgs' tayern, and found 
a good deal siicli quarreling going on as at Clinton, 
and I got afraid then that they might see through 
it, and suspect that we had a hand in getting it up, 
and so I got down about the mill, and sat on the 
logs awhile with Kratzer and Patterson, and left 
them up at the tavern to see the fighting in the 
yard, and just before going in to dinner I called 
one of the rowdies to me and told him it was all 
working well, and gave him more money, and told 
him to swear the others not to re^Tilge on them 
ever, and we would make it right with 'em. After 
dinner the Commissioners sauntered around, and I 
proposed going back and leaving them, as they 
would want to stay all night there, and I had some 
work to do and chores to attend to at home before 
night ; but they would have me wait a while longer 
for them, and I did it. While there sitting on a 
log, we bet two gallons of wine with Johnny Kerr, 
as to which place would get the county seat. When 
they were ready they started, and we rode back to 
Mount Yernon, where Mrs. Butler had the best 
kind of a supper cooked up, and it put them in 
right good humor. She knew how to fix things up 
right on such an occasion. 

" The men about Mount Yernon were all quiet, 
and kept so, and when Dunlap asked Coyle's two 
boys to take a dram with him, they hung back and 
hesitated, until I told them to come up and take a 
drink with the gentleman — that there was no harm 
in it ; and they poured out the least bit of drams 
they ever took in their lives. The next morning 
the Commissioners got ready to start, and I had 



94 HISTORY OP 

got Kiiuck Harris, tlie only nigger in tlie conntry 
tlien, to sleek tlieir horses off, and tliey came out 
looking first rate. Dnnlap was a funny fellow, and 
he tliouglit he could hop, and bantered some of the 
boys to hop, but they were afraid they would be 
beat by him, and said it warn't no use to try, as 
they knew he could beat them. But I told him to 
make his hop, and he went out in the road and 
gave a sample ; I went over it just a little, and we 
hopped several times, until I concluded to show 
him what Ben. could do, and I hopped so far over 
his furtlierest mark that they all laughed him right 
out, and he gave it up, saying I could hop some. 
In those days I never found the man that could 
beat me. When they were about starting I asked 
them if they were not going back to Clinton and give 
it another look, but they said no, and the Olinton- 
ites never saw them any more. They wanted to 
go to Delaware, and asked me to pilot them a part 
of the way, which I did, and when I got out with 
them back of George Lewis' place, I tried to find 
something out of them as to what they had de- 
termined on, but they evaded my questions, and 
gave me little satisfaction. On bidding them good- 
by, I hoped they were not put out with our j)lace 
on account of the hard fare I had given them — that 
I had nothing nice to give them, as I kept only a 
little log tavern, and supplied my table by hunting 
and butchering. One of them remarked that if 
they ever came this way again, they were well 
enough suited to call on me. I then said that I 
was poor, and felt discouraged, and thought that I 
Avould quit off and go some where else and make a 



KNOX COUNTY. 95 

better liying for myself and family. Dnnlap tlion 
said I was doing well enough, and must not get out 
of heart. And so we parted. When we got back 
to town all the men gathered around me to find out 
what was our chance. I told them what had passed 
between us, and that I was satisfied it would be 
found that our side was ahead, and I called them 
all up to take a good drink at my expense on Mount 
Yernon being made the permanent county seat. 
That little trick of ours, I am sure, made the scales 
turn in our favor, and when we knew that it was 
established at Mount Vernon, you can imagine that 
we had loud rejoicing over it." 

In this time of war, Avhen the public mind is 
educated to believe that it is fair in any way to gain 
an advantage over an enemy, there will be but few 
who will not consider this little county seat contest 
to have been proj)erly conducted upon the i)art of 
the Yernonites. The rule that "all is fair in poli- 
tics" having of late years gained general acceptation 
and credence, those who have dabbled in govern 
mental affairs will say that this was rightly done, and 
all who have won in matters of love, and who has 
not, will concede that " the end justifies the means," 
and all who believe that " whatever is is right," will 
determine that Mount Yernon honorably, jnstly 
and legitimately became the permanent seat of jus 
tice of Knox county. 

JONATHAN HUNTS RYDER. 

Jonathan Hunt informs us that he was one of the 
volunteer workers on the streets at the time the 
Commissioners came on, and that Gilman Bryant 



96 HISTORY OF 

sort of bossed tlie work, and, being a cripple, lie 
tended on them and gave out the whisky and water, 
cheering them np as he came around, saying : 
" Work like men in harvest, but keep sober, boys." 
Mike CMck, and John Click, liis brother, drove the 
oxen." Mike was a bully hand with a team, and 
made them tear up stumps, haul logs, plow and 
scrape, as necessary. Men never worked better on 
a road than that force then did. They chopped 
down trees, cut off logs, grubbed, dug down rough 
places, filled up gulleys, burned log heaps, and made 
a wonderful change in the appearance of tilings. 
It was the first work ever done on the streets of 
Mount Yernon. 



KNOX COUNTY. 97 



CHAPTER VIII. 

SIXTH TERM OF COURT— JANUARY 1st, 1810. 
The law and the testimony. — Courts, finance, and election, 1810. 

" Grand Jury. — Isaac Bonnett, foreman, David Miller, Peter 
Bricker, Abner Brown, Jr., Jolin Johnson, Casper Fitting, Francis 
Ilardesty, Josiali Talmage, Willis Speakman, Wm. Darling, Robert 
Dalrymple, Joseph Coleman, David Johnson, John Merritt, James 
Walker, Jr. 

" Indictments were found vs. Henry Smith, Eli Freeman, John 
Click, Thomas McBride. 

" Robert Dalrymple vs. Joseph Talmage. — This case was tried 
by a jury, who do find for the plaintiff and do assess his damage 
$1. 

" Wra. Sapp was appointed guardian for John Melton, and gave 
bond in $50. 

" John Green, administrator of Isaac McClary, was allowed till 
next September Term to settle. 

"William Wallace was licensed to keep public house on paying 
the proper sum. 

January 2d. 

" Isaac Applegate, by his Agent, Israel Ross, vs. Thomas B. Pat- 
terson. — On Saassarara. Ordered, that a Declaration be filed vs. 
two o'clock. 

" The Case of John J. Br ice vs. Thomas B. Patterson, Oilman 
Bryant, and Joseph Walker. — In Chaucery — is disposed of by or- 
dering defendants to pay $50, in nine months, or make a deed and 
to pay costs. 

" Robert Dalrymple vs. Joseph Talmage. — By consent of parties 
this action is to lie open for a new trial, and continued on the Issue 
Docket. 
7 



98 HISTORTOF 

" Plntnb and Murrcay are Licensed to retail goods three months. 

" Notice is given of an appeal in the cases of Dalrymple vs. 
Talmage, and John J. Brice vs. Patterson, et als. 

" Letters of administration are granted to Simpkins on 

the Estate of John Simpkins. Joseph Coleman and Sele Simpkins 
securities for $400. 

" And the Court adjourned till Court in Course." 



SEVENTH TERM— COURT OF COMMON PLEAS— 30th APRIL, 1810. 

" James Colville appears as an Associate Judge in place of Wm. 
Gass. 

" Grand Jury. — Joseph Walker, toremfan, Nicholas Riley, Jas. 
Walker, Jr., Daniel Demmick, George Davis, Jonathan Craig, C. 
Loffland, Wm. Fuller, Jacob Lybarger, C. Cooper, Peter Majors, 
Henry Haines, John Ervin, Nathaniel Critchfield. 

" Bills of Indictment were found vs. Ichabod Nye, Samuel Nye, 
Alexander Enos, Richard Alspaugh. 

" But one case was tried by Jury — that one vs. John Click, for 
assault and battery. 

" Another State case for assault and battery vs. Thomas Mc- 
Bride was disposed of by the Court assessing a fine of $1 and costs, 
and two cases were dismissed at defendant's cost, and one at the 
plaintiff's cost. 

" Ordered, that an additional Justice of the Peace be added to 
the township of Morgan. 

" Benjamin Barrey was Licensed to keep public tavern at Clinton, 
on payment of $5. 

" This term continued two days, and the above is the business 
transacted." 

THE JAIL BOUNDS DEFINED. 

Sjjecial Term — 2d day of June, 1810. 

" Ordered, that the jail bounds of this county be as follows, to 
wit : Front street, thence to include all the balance of the town of 
Mt. Vernon lying North said street, which does include the Jail of 
said county." 



"LO! THE POOR AFRICAN" DEMANDS ATTENTION. 

" The Court convenes at 2 o'clock P. M. to determine the negroe's 
case. 

" The State of Ohio vs. Ned Jackson., a negro. — For Larceny. 
The criminal comes forward and pleads not guilty, and the Court, 
from the testimony given, do consider and order that the said 
criminal be confined in jail until the Court in course." 

HAVING A QUAKER JUDGE CAUSES A QUAKER MEETING— 4th 

DAY, Gth MONTH. 

" Court met. Present : John Mills, Wm. W. Farquhar, and 
James Colville." 

The record is silent as to the cause of their meet- 
ing — only sheweth that the three gentlemen met 
and adjourned until the Court in Course. 

EIGHTH TERM— COURT OF COMMON PLEAS— 3d SEPTEMBER, 1810. 

"Grand Jury. — Robert McMillen, foreman, John Wood, "Wm. 
Wallace, John Herrod, John Shrimplin, John Merrit, Silas Brown, 
John Hown, John Wheeler, David Johnson, Nathaniel Critchfield, 
Ziba Leonard, Jas. Wallace, Jr. 

"Bills of Indictment were presented against Robert Davidson 
and James Butler, each of whom were on plea of guilty of assault 
and battery, fined $2 and costs." 

The cases must have been exceedingly aggravated, 
or the Court become more severe upon the offenders, 
and doubled the fine. 

Three causes were tried by jury, to wit : Eobert 
Dalrymple vs. Joseph Talmage ; Lawrence, for use 
of Rush, vs. George Davidson ; and Martha Zenick, 
by her guardian and father, vs. David Miller and 
Mary Miller. This time Dalrymple was awarded 
5 damages, but neither party, as usual in law, was 



100 HISTORY OF 

satisfied with the decision ; hence, on the next page 
we find, side by side with each other, the following 
entries : 

" Robert DaJrymple vs. Joseph Talmage. — Notice is hereby 
given by the plaintiff of an appeal. 

" Robert DaJrymple vs. Josejih Talmage. — Notice is hereby given 
by the defendant of an appeal. 

" The Jury in the second case gave judgment for the defendant, 
George Davidson, for costs, and the plaintiff gives notice of 
appeal." 

In the Zenick case, the Jnry, '-upon their oaths, 
do find the defendants guilty, and assess the dam- 
ages of the plaintiff to^'|30." This was the first 
dander suit ever tried in I\jiox county. The defend- 
ants moved, in arrest of judgment, "that the words 
contained in the third count in the plaintiff's decla- 
ration are not actionable," but, haAdng been over- 
ruled in this effort, then gave notice of an appeal. 
This was a case of unusual interest, and William 
Guardian, for failing to appear as evidence in it, 
was fined f 1. 

Three cases were dismissed at plaintiff's cost. 
Three judgments were entered by default, and one 
by confession. The highest amount of any judg- 
ment was that of Josiah Morriss vs. David Debel, 
alias Debolt, for $70 and costs. A case of David 
Miller vs. Martha Zenick, on the case, was dismissed 
with judgment for costs vs. plaintiffs. Such was 
the business of two davs of the 7th regular term. 



^&' 



" On the 5th of September George Coffinbery was Licensed to 
keep a publick house of entertainment in the town of Mansfield for 
one year on his payment of $4. 



KE^OX OOUXTY. 101 

" John Green, Esq., was still further allowed 3 years to settle 
the Isaac McClary estate. 

" Catharine Shinabery, Ex. of M. Shiuabery, dec'd, settled with 
the Court. 

" Daniel Demmick Avas Licensed to keep a publick House of en- 
tertainment for one year, and Michael Click also. 

" Henry Markley was allowed for 12^ days services as Commis- 
sioner. 

" Matthew Merritt was allowed for 9 days services as Commis- 
sioner. 

" William Douglas Avas allowed for 10 days services as Commis- 
sioner. 

" Edward Herrick was allowed $25 as Prosecuting Attorney for 
the Supreme Court for 1810." 

COUNTY SETTLEMENT— 5th SEPTEMBER, 1810. 

" The Court met with the Commissioners for the purpose of set- 
tling with the Court in County Charges, &.C., which is as follows, 
(to wit) : 

" County of Knox, Dr., for, including from the June, 1S09, to 
Sept. 6th, 1810: 

Commissioners of Knox County $137 27 

Associate Judges 109 44 

Elections 48 75 

Roads 130 82 

" 3 10 

Treasurer 40 46 

Boarding &. Imprisoning Negro 2 75 

" " " 1 83 

Coroner 3 50 

Iron — Negro 5 25 

Wolf Scalps 67 50 

Collector's fees 102 59.8 

Clerk's fees 41 00 

Clerk to Commissioners from Jan'y, 1808 87 17 

Sheriff's fees 28 6^ 

Prosecuting Attorney 100 00 

Repairs of Jail 9 47 

Jury Boxes 1 00 



102 HisTOEY or 

Delinquents in Tax $24 20 

Listing Townships 73 00 

Petit Jurors 15 15 

Postage of Letters 95 

Witnesses 4 00 

Grand Jurors GO 00 

$1,194 16^ 

Cr. By County Levy for 1809 $265 98 

By Land Tax, 1809 252 52 

By Draft on District Collection 118 30 

By fines, &c 48 55 

By stores and taverns 73 32 

$759 67 

" Ordered, that the Court do adjourn until the next meeting in 
course." 

VOTE FOR GOVERNOR IN 1810. 

The vote of Knox county in 1810 stood: Eor 
Keturn J. Meigs, 97; Thomas Worthington, 90. 
All the votes cast in onr county at that election 
v^ere 187. Our county was then on the Avinning 
side, as Meigs carried the State by 2,193 majority. 



KNOX COUNTY 103 



CHAPTER IX. 

Sketch of the first white man known to have been upon the ko- 
KO-siNG. — The indian captive in 1779. — The ajjjutant in 1812 — and 
commissioner in 18'2i. 

The first of the citizens of Knox county to tread 
upon its soil, was John Stilley. In the month of 
June, A. D. 1779, he was a captive among the In- 
dians npon the banks of Ko-ko-sing. We have 
thoroughly investigated the early history of this 
country and can learn of no white person who pen- 
etrated the wilderness prior to that time. His 
father was one of the pioneers of Allegheny county, 
Pennsylvania, who was killed by the savages when 
John was but a small child. Immediately after his 
father was massacred, John (about the year 1774) 
was taken, with one of Ms little sisters, by his 
brother-in-law, Kennedy, to his home in the back 
part of Washington county, where he was living 
exposed to the privations, toils and suiferings inci- 
dent to border life. At that time the people of the 
new country were in constant dread of the savages, 
and sleeping or waking they were alike in danger 
of becoming their prey. In the spring of 1779, 
when the corn was just sprouting out of the ground, 
a band of Indians of the Wyandot tribe one night 
attacked the house of Kennedy, took Kennedy, his 



104 HISTOKY OF 

wife and one cliild, John Stilley and his little prat- 
tling sister, plundered the house of such things as 
they fancied, set fire to the house, and burned it to 
the ground. While they were witnessing the de- 
struction of the house and its contents, they became 
alarmed by the approach of some of the whites 
living nearest to Kennedy, and hastily seized his 
horses, and took to flight. One of the neighbors, 
called Captain Jack, an old Indian hunter, living 
about two miles from Kennedy's, thought on the 
evening of that dav that there were Indians about, 
and being unable to get to sleep on account of this 
presentiment, kept his family awake until about 
midnight, when he swore that he " smelt Indians," 
and seizing his rifle, powder-horn and bullet-pouch 
went out to his nearest neighbor, and while there 
discovered the fire in the direction of Kennedy's, 
and with such of the settlement as could be hastily 
gathered together came up to the ruins of the 
house, hurrpng the Indians away with their cap- 
tives and plunder. They followed close in pursuit, 
and came so nearly up to them when crossing the 
river that Captain Jack shot the Indian having 
young Stilley in charge across the right hand, cut- 
ting off his thumb. They heard the crack of rifles, 
and the balls whistled bv them as thev. crossed the 

V 9,' 

river. The Indian held young John in his left 
hand, and swam his horse over the river and rode 
some distance with the reins in his mouth. The 
band of Indians — sixteen in number — hastened 
rapidly across the country with their prisoners, 
crossing the White Woman near its moutli, and 
following on up the Ko-ko-sing, as Stilley distinctly 



KNOX COUE^TY. 105 

recollects, until above where Eredericktown has 
since been built, and thence on out to the Sandusky 
plains. They cami^ed one night at the Little In- 
dian Fields, near the present site of Mount Yernon. 

This country was then an unbroken wilderness. 
They did not see a single white man, or the trace 
of one, this side of the Ohio river ; nor could John 
kStilley recollect of seeing one of his own race for 
five years, except a few j^risoners who were at times 
brought through the country where he was, and 
occasionally his sisters and brother-in-law. They 
were parceled out by the captors as suited their 
fancv, and were sometimes for months vrithout see- 
ing each other. John was a stout, hearty boy, fond 
of rough exercise, and having not a particle of fear 
he soon became a great favorite with the tribe, and 
was often taken by the warriors in their hunting 
and fighting expeditions. He was several times 
brought with a portion of the tribe down to the 
Ko-ko-sing and White Woman country, and re- 
members that this was considered the most beauti- 
ful part of their hunting grounds. It then looked 
to him far handsomer than it ever has since, 
and because of its prepossessing appearance he 
determined, when he started in the world with 
thoughts of settling down permanently in one place, 
to make tliis Ms home and final resting place. 

After the Revolutionary War was over and peace 
established, Kennedy and his wife and the two 
children were delivered up at Detroit. The In- 
dians had taken a great liking to John, and deter- 
mined to keep him. He was adopted into the tribe, 
had learned their language, and almost lost his own. 



106 HISTORY OF 

Trained u}) as their little Indians were, he had fallen 
into their ways, and fell in love with their mode of 
life, so that he had no desire to return to the white 
settlements. He bore no marks of ill treatment, 
unless we except that the end of his nose had been 
bitten off by one of the Indians in a light. In all 
their sports and games he took part, and was a 
worthy " boba-sheeby." Our old settlers, who recol- 
lect the " whoop" that Uncle John could give when 
so disposed, say that he surpassed the real Indian 
in that line. He has often spoken to us of the 
events of his captivity, and how he was for a time 
fascinated Avith their wild and roving life. He sub- 
sisted for days upon a little corn parched and 
pounded up, and used to affirm to us that he never 
relished any thing so well in his life as that simj)le 
food. 

But he was not doomed to live always a savage 
life. His familv determined to rescue him from 
their wiles and allurements. His brother-in-law, 
with several others, undertook this mission, and at 
length succeeded in getting liim aAvay from them 
while they were camped down on Detroit, not far 
from where Maiden has since been built. He re- 
mained with KennedA' and his friends at Detroit 
some months. There was then a British Fort there, 
and the village was the smallest kind of a four-cor- 
nered place. 

It is a satisfaction to know that several of the 
gang who captured Stilley and Kennedy's family 
were afterwards in one of their marauding expe- 
ditions overtaken by justice. The Poes met and 
killed them near the mouth of Yellow Creek. Stil- 



Kiq^OX COUNTY. 107 

ley and liis sister became conversant with this fact 
shortly after the occurrence from Indians concerned 
in that dreadful fight. 

John Stilley with other prisoners retaken from 
the Indians, to the number of about ninety, em- 
barked in a vessel at Detroit, and landed in San- 
dusky Bay, and hired two Indian pilots to guide 
them back to the settlements. When they got 
pretty near the Oliio river, they began to talk over 
their position, where they were from, and with sad- 
ness parted with each other, scattering in different 
directions, never more to meet. Some were from 
Kentucky, others from Virginia and Pennsylvania. 
But fcAY of them crossed the river with Stilley into 
the edge of Alleglieny county. Stilley says that 
he then passed through the Ko-ko-sing and White 
Woman country, and not a particle of improve- 
ment was discernible from tlie time he was first 
taken througli it by the Indians. 

After remaining in his native country a short 
time he became restless, and longed for a newer 
condition of things. His desire for adventure took 
him to the " dark and bloody ground." He went 
alone — a poor boy, but strong of heart, and with 
resolution indomitable. Alone, and in a light 
canoe of his own make, he navigated the rivers, 
and landed at the Limestone, about three miles 
from where the city of Maysville now stands. The 
only settlements then commenced on the Ohio 
river in his way were at Wheeling, Gallix:)olis, 
Marietta, and at the mouth of the KanaAvha. 
These were all very small. He pushed his way 
into the interior of Kentucky, and voyaged along 



108 HISTOEY OF 

the waters of the Elkhorn, and was struck with 
the surprising beauty of the country, and the noble- 
ness and generosit}^ of the people with whom he 
fell in company, and there he sojourned for some 
time. "There was," he said, "a considerable set- 
tlement along the waters of tlie ELkhorn, and above 
and between Paris and Lexington more white peo- 
ple than I had eyer seen before. Lexington I 
thought a mighty cleyer town. We could raise 
along the old Elk's horn quite a number of men to 
take a tight every now and then, and I felt that I 
was man enough for any of them in any way they 
were a mind to take me. I knew Simon Kenton 
personally and right intimately, and a mighty true 
man he was too. He tlien lived down, I think, 
sort of northwest of Paris. He did not live as high 
up as I did. He kept four minute men do^vn there 
always ready. We kept watch fiftj^ miles along 
the river for a while, and went back and forth 
twenty-five miles ; I was one of them. I also knew 
^eal Washburn well, and I tell you he was a real 
brotherly feeling man. The Kentucky hunters 
were as good men as God ever made. They were 
the clear noblemen spit — all soul — all bravery — 
all generosity. Would to God there were more 
such in the world." * * * 'vl remained 
upon Elkhorn enjoying myself finely, farming a 
little, and liunting more, and wrestling and fight- 
ing, and all that, till the pesky Indians u^) in the 
Maumee country, and in the Miami, got to cutting 
up so intolerable bad that we couldn't stand it any 
longer — they were depredating and thieving, and 
maxdering and scalping, and I got my blood up 



KNOX COUNTY. 109 

and concluded to try my aim on them, so I 'listed 
among; the tirst in tlie countrv, and there was no 
better shot with a rifle among the crowd." 

John Stilley served for four months as one of 
the Kentucky volunteers, and upon discharge of 
the company, hy General Wayne, returned to the 
Elkhorn country. But he did not long remain 
quiet. Repeated acts of cruelty and inhumanity 
on the part of the savages and tlieir worse than 
savage allies, again rendered it necessary for the 
Kentucky boys to shoulder their rifles and march 
into the enemy's countrv to avenge the wrongs 
of their countrymen. Stilley then served five 
months, and said he would like to have continued 
with old Mad Anthony the rest of his days, but the 
old hero said he did not require his services any 
longer. He returned to Kentucky and remained 
farming, hunting, and shooting at a mark, until the 
country, where he was, became too thickly settled 
for him to enjoy life there, and then he concluded 
to look up again the fine country which he had 
admired so much, when a boy, on the Ko-ko-sing. 

He is found living in this county in 1806, making 
his location, building his log cabin, and settling 
down for the remainder of his term on earth. His 
wife, Kebecca, daughter of old Kobert Thompson, 
the surveyor and pioneer, rests by his side beneath 
the soil of Knox countv. The Stillev farm, west 
of Mount Vernon one mile, where their sons Mor- 
gan P. and Oilman B. and daughter Dorcas now 
live, was cleared off and first cultivated by Thomp- 
son and Stilley from 1805. Of John Stilley's twelve 
children — Sarah E., wife of Jacob Maxteller, is in 



110 HISTORY OF 

this townsliip; Julia Ann, wife of Col. Benjamin 
E. Smith, in Minnesota; Joel ¥. in this county, 
Rebecca Kimbal in Morrow county; ^^Tancy, >vife 
of Wm. McFarland, deceased, in Oquawka, 111., 
and the others, not above named, are dead. 

In our chapter upon tlic military of Knox county 
it will be seen that the bellicose spirit of John 
Stillev is made manifest. In the war with Great 
Britain he served as Adjutant of Ool. Kratzer's 
Regiment, Ohio volunteers, until honorably dis- 
charged. He again entered the service wiien Eort 
Meio^s was attaclvcd bv the British and Indians, 
and received another honorable discharge. We 
became conversant Avith the events in the life of 
this worthy old settler several years ago, when for- 
warding an application for a land warrant, which 
he desired mainly as evidencing an evidence of 
appreciation of his services and suiferings by his 
government, but the lamentable delays of officials 
in the great circumlocution departments at Wash- 
ington prevented his receiving this just acknowl- 
edgment of his country's gratitude. On the 10th 
of March, 1852, he died of palsy, at his home, in 
Clinton township. His widow, after his death, 
received the tribute of a land warrant for 160 acres. 

John Stilley was a true hearted, a brave man — 
ready, w henever occasion offered, to assert his rights 
and evidence his courage. He performed four tours 
of service, and under the most trying circumstan- 
ces acquitted himself handsomely. He was a great 
admirer of General Wayne and General Harrison, 
and never grew tired of praising them. We might 
give many anecdotes and incidents connected with 



KIS^OX COUNTY. Ill 

the life of tliis worthy okl pioneer — who first walked 
upon the banks of Owl Creek, (Koo-koo-san he 
said it was pronounced by the tribe who captured 
him.) We have thought a chapter in the History 
of the county to be justly due to John Stilley — the 
old Adjutant — the old Commissioner — the old citi- 
zen who was proverbial for his honesty and integ- 
rity — and who possessed, at four score years, as 
good a memory, as sound judgment and irreproach- 
able character as any man ever within the limits 
of Knox county. 



112 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTEE X. 

What was done by codrts and commissioners in the years 1811-12- 

13 and 1814 THAT may be of interest to citizens of the county. 

County roads. — County buildings. — County revenue. — What it cost 
TO guard a prisoner and to bury a negro in 1812-14. — Prices of 

BARK AND RABBIT SKINS. ThE GLORIOUS FOURTH COMMEMORATED BY 

strong's SETTLEMENT. 

NINTH TERM OF COMMON PLEAS — JANUARY 1, 1811. 

" Grand Jury — Charles Lofland, foreman, Thomas Beat j, Abra- 
ham Lyon, James Craig, Geo. Lybarger, Nathl. M. Young, J. Dun- 
lap, John Morrison, Samuel Wilson, John Herrod, John Cook, 
James Herrod and James Cunningham. 

"Indictments presented vs. Wm. Wallace, James Smith, Solomon 
Geller, John Stilley, John Barney, Francis Spratt, John Fogle- 
song, Benj. Barney, Andrew Clark and Samuel Arbuckle. 

"This term continued three days. The minutes show but one 
Jury Trial : The State of Ohio vs. Henry Smith for passing coun- 
terfeit money, and the Jury found him not guilty. 

"Gilman Bryant was granted Licens to retail goods for 8 months, 
and Abner Ayres to keep a public house one year, 

" An additional Justice of the Peace was added to the township 
of Clinton. 

" The Indictments vs. Francis Spratt and Win. Wallace were 
disposed of, each being fined $o and costs." 

TENTH TERM— 29th APRIL, 1811. 

" Grand Jury — Isaac Bonnet, foreman, Charles Cooper, Robert 
Wright, John Hawn, Peter Bricker, Timothy Burr, Isaac Dial, 
Bartholomew Bartlet, Evan Holt, John Trimble, John Wheeler, 
James Miller, Oliver Strong. 



KNOX COUNTY. 113 

" Indictments were presented vs. David Demmick, Sele Simp- 
kins, 

" John Stilley appears and pleads guilty to Indictment for 
assault and battery found vs. him at last Term, and is fined $4 
and costs." The dignity of fighting is increased, and those who 
indulge in that luxury have to pay higher. 

" Benjn. Barney, arraigned on charge of assault and battery, 
pleads not guilty, and on trial Jury so find. 

"Andrew Clark, on indictment for same offence, is fined $4 and 
costs. 

" John Barney stands a jury trial on his indictment, and is found 
not guilty. 

" So also Samuel Arbuckle is acquitted. 

" Licens is granted Benjn. Barney to keep publick house one 
year at Clinton. 

" The case of Joseph Foos vs. Archibald Gardner is tried by a 
Jury, who find ' that Gardner was only to pay for the improve- 
ments done by Foos on the House.' 

"Two suits were dismissed, two settled by the parties, and two 
judgments entered for small sums. 

"John Sawyer is fined $2 and costs for not attending as a wit- 
ness. This being the second fine of this character in the Common 
Pleas Court, the penalty is increased 100 per cent. 

" Licenses to retail goods are granted to Wm. H. Selby &. Isaac 
Vore, and Tavern license to Jno. Baxter & Amoriah Watson. 

" George Sapp is appointed admr. of George Sapp, deed. ; Danl. 
Sapp &- John Greer, Securities." 

ELEVENTH TERM— 9th OF SEPT., 1811. 

" Grand Jury. — ^William Gass, Jabez Beers, Joseph Coleman, 
Casper Fitting, Abraham Darling, Jacob Young, John Green, 
Henry Ankeny, James Bryant, Charles Lofland, John Wheeler, 
David Johnson, Jonathan Hunt, Jr. 

" Indictments found vs. Sele Simpkins, Thos. McBride, Benj. 
Rush, Francis Wilkins, John Davis, James Walker, Jr. and James 
Smith. 

Four Jury causes came off, to wit ; Andrew Craig vs. Henry 
McCurb &. James Cunningham, Trespass on the case ; Wm. W. 
f5 



114 HISTORY OP 

Farqubar vs. James Craig, for debt ; Tbe State of Obio vs. Sele 
Simpkins, for felony ; and James Smitb vs. Samuel H. Smitb, 
assumpsit. 

"The Prosecuting Attorney entered ' nolle ' on Indictment vs. 
James Smitb for not making Election returns to Fairfield C. 

" Tbe State vs. Francis Wilkins. Defendant was fined 81 for 
assault and battery. 

" Eleven otber causes were disposed of — maiuly dismissed at 
costs of Pltff. 

" Jobn Green, Esq., of tbe Metbodist Cburcb, is licensed to marry 
people so disposed. 

" Henry Markley was allowed $53.37i for sevices as Commis- 
sioner. 

" Mattbew Merrit was allowed $1.75 for services as Commis- 
sioner. 

" Robert McMillen was allowed $36.75 for sevices as Commis- 
sioner. 

" License to keep public bouse was gi'anted for one year to Micbael 
Click, Jobn Jones, Jesse Procter, Daniel Ayers, Daniel Demmick. 

" Store License was granted to Oilman Bryant, Benjn. Rush, 
Saml. H. Smitb. 

" On tbe return of Jobn Heekewelder, Jobn McConnel and 
Moses Koss, Esquires, wbo were appointed by a Joint Ballot of 
botb Houses of tbe Legislature of tbe State of Obio to fix tbe 
seats of Justice in tbe Counties of Wayne and Eicbland in tbe 
State aforesaid, wbicb passed tbe 2Stb of Marcb, 1803, wbo did 
report for tbe seat of Justice in Richland county aforesaid to be 
afiixed at tbe town of Mansfield. Signed tbe 20tb day of April, 
1809." 

Settlcinent with the Commissioners of Knox County, to tvit : Ex- 
penditures from Sept. Term, 1810 ; 

Paid out to different collectors $62 17.5 

•< for wolf scalps 12 00 

" for Grand Juries 52 75 

" for Pettit Judges in State prosecutions 20 20 

" for Witnesses fees in same 88 15 

" Sheriff for bis services ^^ 50 

" Coroner " " .,. 4 00 



<l 



<< 
<< 



KI^OX COUNTY. 115 

Paid Jas. Smith, as Clerk to Com. Pleas and Comr $89 95^ 

" Public Buildings 11187.5 

" accommodation of Courts 5 50 

Edwd. Herrick, Esq., as Prosecuting Attorney . . . 100 00 

expences of Roads, &c 49 27.5 

Treasurer 20 59 

Associate Judges 60 00 

" locating County and Townships 63 50 

" out for elections 35 50 

" James Smith 25 dollars for books. 

6840 97 
Amount received hy Treasurer to same date : 

Received by fines and license $123 38^ 

County levy for year 1810, CT'nship 113 32 

• " *' " Union " 79 30 

" " " " Morgan " 54 30 

" " " " Wayne " 62 88^ 

" " " " Madison" 15 92j 

' State Tax for Morgan 80 89f 

Wayne 90 33f 

" Union 30 25 

Clinton 161 44 1 mill. 

" " State Treasurer 117 66 

Walker & Slater's land 4 25 

State Tax for 1809 117 00 






$1050 95 1 mill. 

TWELFTH TERM— JANY. 6th, 1812. 

" Grand Jury. — Charles Lofland, foreman, Joseph Walker, Alex- 
ander Enos, Saml. H. Smith, John Stilley, Ziba Leonard, John 
Baxter, Moses Craig, John Spratt, Benj. Currin, James Craig, 
Andrew Craig, Solomon Geller." 

This vacation had proven fruitful of knock-downs, as we may 
judge from bills for assault and battery being found vs. George 
Lybarger, Henry Ankeny, Samuel W. Culberson, Joseph Dunlap, 
John Strain, Benjamin Rush, John Foglesong. 



116 HISTORY OP 

Culberson was fined 6 cents and costs ; Lybarger, $3 ; Ankeny, 
$5 ; John Foglesong, the unprecedented sum of $50 and costs. A 
jury in the State vs. John Davis found him guilty to the tune of 
S20 and costs. 

Daniel Demmick is fined $1 and costs for retailing spirituous 
liquors without license. 

The solitary civil jury trial resulted in Henry Smith obtaining 
a judgment of $8.12^ against Oliver Strong. 

There is an increasing demand for marrying ofiicers, and we find 
License issued to Elisha Bowman and James Smith of the Metho- 
dist Church. 

George Cofiinberry renews his Tavern License for Mansfield, 
and James McClure is also Licensed to entertain the publick. 

Jos. Talmage is allowed $2.25 for taking the enumeration, &c. 

THIRTEENTH TERM— 4th MAY, 1812. 

" Grand Jury. — Isaac Bonnet, foreman, Wm. Marquis, Solomon 
Geller, Benj. Corwin, Thos. McKee, John Stilley, Matthew Mer- 
ritt, John Hawn, Ziba Leonard, Chas. Cooper, H. Ankeny, Chas. 
Lofland and Joseph Berry. 

" Bills were found vs. Joseph Walker and James Craig, "William 
Walker, Elizabeth Walker. 

" Two causes were tried by jury — Hiram Ball vs. Alexander 
Enos; verdict for defendant for costs; and The State vs. Eliza- 
beth Walker ; verdict not guilty. 

" On Indictment for an afiray, Joseph Walker is fined $1 and 
costs ; and William Walker is fined for an assault and battery ^3 
and costs. 

The following order appears upon the court min- 
utes which ''old settlers" may understand: 

" Ordered, that James Walker, jr., deliver up to Benoni Gard- 
ner his daughter, Nancy, Avith her clothing. 

" Store license issued to Isaac Vore, and tavern license to 
Azariah Davis, John Baxter and N. C. Boles. 

" Eight judgments are entered up for sums varying from $2.07^ 
to $18.66 

" Luke Walpole vs. Ichahod Nye, Sheriff. — The Sherifi" is 



«.'■ 



KNOX cou:nty. 117 

amerced for $6, received from Wm. Wallace and not paid over. 
This is the Jirst amcrcc?nent case on record in Knox count//. 

FOURTEENTH TERM— 14th SEPTEMBER, 1812. 

" License to retail goods was granted to John Garrison, and tav- 
ern license to Daniel Ayres. 

" Court remained in session but a few hours. The following 

entry shows the cause : No venire for Grand or Petit jury returned 

in consequence of a National calamity. Ordered that the court do 

adjourn until the next court in course. 

William Wilson." 

FIFTEENTH TERM— 11th JANUARY, 1813. 

" Grand Jury. — Wm. Mitchel, foreman, Wm. Davis, Jacob 
Young, Henry Markley, Wm. Knight, Peter Kinry, Henry Haines, 
John Murphy, Cornelius Vanosdolle, John Shrinpliu, John Harrod, 
James Craig, Oliver Strong. 

" Indictments found vs. John Jackson and Michael Click, Jos. 
Middleton, Wra. Stansbery, Leonard H. Coales. 

" There were three trials by jury — Henry Smith vs. Allison 
Strong ; verdict for pltff, .$12 and costs ; Eleazer Morely vs. Alex. 
Enos, for pltflP. $56.37 and costs ; Piatt & Harrison vs. Enos, for 
pltff. $40.80. 

" Store license issued to Enoch Harriss, Richard Fishback, Gil- 
man Bryant. 

" Tavern license issued to John Davidson on payment of $G for 
one year, Richard Fishback, Amos H. Royce, Stephen Stilwell. 

Not a single State case was tried. The presump- 
tion is that the fighting men had gone to the war ! 

SIXTEENTH TERM— 5th SEPTEMBER, 1813. 

" Grand Jury. — Isaac Bonnet, foreman, James Loveridge, Solo- 
mon Geller, John Kerr, Philip Melker, Benj. Corwin, Thos. Mc- 
Kee, Jacob Hauger, John Dunlap, Wm. Marcjuis, Joseph Walker, 
Isaac Bean, W. H. Selby. 

" Four bills were found for usual offenses. These and several 
other Indictments quashed for want of form. This Court contin- 
ued in session three days. There were three jury trials, and many 
old cases on the docket were disposed of. 

" Wm. C. Enos is appointed Master Commissioner in Chancery. 



118 HISTORY OF 

" Robt. McMillen allowed 8 days, $14, for Commissioner services. 
Daniel Cooper " 5 " 8.75, " " 

John Harrod " 5.25, " " 

" Store license was granted to Anthony Banning, Stephen But- 
ler, S. H. Smith. 

•' License to marry was granted to John Green and James Smith, 
regular ordained ministers in the Religious United Societies or 
Christian Church. 

SEVENTEENTH TERM— 10th JANUARY, 1814. 

" Grand Jurors. — Isaac- Vore, foreman, John Davis, Abraham 
Caimes, John Grear, Nathaniel M. Young, Moses Merrit, Evan 
Holt, John Stilley, John Johnson, Jabez Beers, Philip Melker, 
James Low, A. H. Royce, John Spratt. 

" Five jury causes are tried. 

"License to marry is issued to Amos Mix of the Baptist persua- 
sion. 

" License to retail goods is issued to Eli Miller, Richard Fish- 
back, L. S. Silliman. 

" C. K. Sherman is appointed Prosecuting Atto. for this co. 

" Letters of administration are issued on estates of Isaac Jack- 
son, Benj. Simpkins, Joseph Sieberson, Joseph King and Anny 
Woodruff. 

Our old townsman, Gilman Bryant, seems to 
figure about these times as general appraiser. 

" James Smith, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Clerk 
of the Supreme Court for the county of Knox, appoints Alexander 
Ellioitt Deputy in either Court, Feb. 24, 1814. 

EIGHTEENTH TERM— 9th OF MAY, 1814. 

" Grand Jury. — Isaac Vore, jr., foreman, John Wilson, Joseph 
Walker, John Bean, George Low, Matthew Merrit, Isaac Bonnet, 
John Bricker, David Ash, Joseph Iliggins, Jesse Severe and An- 
thony Banning. 

•' Four trials by jury. 

" Samuel Kratzer, Esq., appointed Master Commissioner in 
Chancery. 

" License issued to James Smith, John Green, to retail goods, 
and to N. C. Bowles to keep tavern. 



KK^OX COUIfTY. 119 

NINETEENTH TERM— IIth AUGUST, 1814. 

" Grand Jurors. — Azaiiah Davis, Benj. Brown, Bartholomew 
Bartlet, Ebenezer Brown, Wm. Downs, Thomas Ireland, Wra. 
Henry, Jacob Rabb, David Johnson, Jonathan Hunt, jr., John 
Garrison, Isaac Coen, James Harrod, John Kerr, John Mills, fore- 
man. 

" Upon bills of Indictment for assault and battery, James 
Adams and Wm. Mefford Avere fined 83, each, and costs ; James 
Martin $10 and costs, Charles Lofland was also fined S5 and costs, 
and Samuel Baxter SlO and costs, and Thos. Prather $3 and costs. 

" Four trials by jury. 

" John Hrirrod as Commissioner allowed $22.75, Robt. McMil- 
len $29.75, Daniel Cooper $26.25, Wm. Mitchell $5.25. 

" License issued to John Fuller, of Christian Church, to marry. 
L. H. Smith, Benj. Barney and Ichabod Mai-shal, Ex'rs. of Rich- 
ard Fishback, deceased ; and Gilman Bryant, Daniel Cooper and 
Timothy Burr, appraisers. 

TWENTIETH TERM— 22nd DECEMBER, 1814. 

" Grand Jury. — John Trimble, foreman, Thomas Axtell, Henry 
Markley, Jas. McCracken, Samuel Newell, Sam'l Johnson, Cor- 
nelius Vanosdall, John Adams, John Irvine, Nath. M. Young, Da- 
vid Johnson, Jacob Cooper, L. H. Smith. 

"License to vend goods issued to Anthony Banning, Gilman 
Bryant, John Garrison, Eli Miller, L. S. Silliman. 

" License to keep tavern issued to Jacob Nixon, Amos H. 
Royce, Abner Ayres, Wm. Van Home. 

We liave given tlie Court transactions for twenty 
terms as miicli for tlie purpose of letting the present 
generation know wlio, in those early days, per- 
formed service as Jurors and otherwise, as with the 
view of giving an account of what was done. By 
reading over these pages the names of many set- 
tlers will be known whom otherwise we could not 
find had lived upon our soil. 



120 HISTOET OF 

THE FINANCES IN 1812-13-14, AND THE FIRST SALE OF LAND FOR 

TAXES— 1812, 3d JUNE. 

" At settlement with the Treasurer. 
Dr. Treasurer — 

Amount of Land Tax 1811 $523 76.7 

do — 20 36.2 

Duplicate for Wayne 1811 73 22 

do Madison " 35 5 

do Union 9150 

do Morgan 60 80 

do Clinton 204 62.5 

Wolf scalps 32 00 

Oilman Bryant, license 6 66.5 

Am't of license, permits and fines received 81 09.5 

1129 8.6 
By amount of County orders received — $10 7 9.7 J 

do do do ... 1079 73 

do do do ... 59 42 J 

1149 95 
1129 8.6 

At settlement balance due Treasurer. $20 86.4 

" Treasurer pay Henry Haines $45 19.4, for his commission on 

revenue Taxes 1811 ; for traveling trip to Zanesville $5. 

" At settlement with the Treasurer June 8th, 1813. 

Treasurer Dr. for — 
Tavern license $91 32 

do do 12 49 J 

Hichland duplicate 64 25 

Duplicate for Clinton 135 53^ 

do Morgan 79 80 

do Wayne 74 32 

do Chester 20 30 

do Union 90 60 

do Morris 47 36 

do on duplicate now due 502 54.6 

Daniel Demmich 4 

Butler's license 30 

1122 82.6 



KISOX COUNTY. 121 

Cr. by orders produced and delivered $1076 45 

" your com. per centum 44 39 

" traveling fees 5 



1125 84 



Cr. the Treasurer on settlement $3.01. 

James Berry, Collector 4th District. Collector's office, Zanes- 
ville, 17th Dec, 1813, received $359 23, the full amount of the 
Resident Land Tax of Knox county, of John Green, Collector. 
9th June, 1814 — At settlement with Treasurer of Knox co. 

Treasui-er Dr. — 

For license taverns and stores $103 58^ 

Cash rec'd of collector of non-residents on land for 1813 451 70 
County, as paid by collector, for C. Levy for 1813 405 IG 



960 44^ 

Or. by orders paid in $923 00.7.5 

" treasurer's fees 38 41 



traveling fees to Zanesville 5 



966 41.7.5 
Balance due to Treasurer on settlements the sum of $5 97.5, as 
per order number 1251." 

"July 5, 1814. The Board this day examine the duplicates for 
County Levy for the Township agreeable to the return of the lis- 
ters of Townships as follows : 

Morgan Township 5^83 10 

Union do 104 07.5 

Morris do 73 40 

Chester do 31 50 

Wayne do 93 61 

Clinton do 140 96 



626 64.5 
" Collector Green collected all on these lists and $2.58 more in 
Clinton township, than listed. 

" The first lands sold for Taxes were in January 12th, 18 1 5, when 
collector John Green sold for Abram Emmett 2-8 of lot 120 north 
side taxes and costs — 75 ; and f of lot 34 south side — 75. Isaac 
Vore, jr., ^ of lot 19 south side, and ^ of 20 north side— for 75 each. 



122 HISTORY OF 

" Parts of lots belongingto John Hawn, jr., James Smith, (Skenk's 
creek) Nathan Majors, Ichabod Nye, John Marquis and Wm. 
Marquis, jr., for which he charged for deeds and acknowledgments 
$1.25." 

ITEMS SUGGESTIVE FROM COMMISSIONERS' JOURNALS OF 1811- 

12-13-14. 

Among the bills audited by the Commissioners 
in 1811, we find one to John Butler $i, for extra 
services in summoning jurors and witnesses for 
May Term ; Mcholas Kyle t|3, for use of their 
house for third Court, Sex)t. 1811 ; Ichabod Xye, 
sherifi''s fees in criminal cases, 1811, $25 ; Associ- 
ate Judges James Colville f 18, W. W. Farquhar 
$21, John Mills |21; Edward Herrick for Prose- 
cuting Attorney two terms, and at Supreme Court 
also, $9.75. A pretty cheap attorney's fee ! 

Order ISTo. 626 issues to Ichabod Marshal 75 cts. 
for gaging a half bushel for the County standard, 
and 627 to James Walker for making seal for 
standard for Knox county. 

Timothy Burr appeared and gave bond as Coro- 
ner, with Gilman Bryant and Bobert Jones as 
sureties. Icliabod Kye gave bond as Sheriif, with 
John Hawn and Bichard Eishback as sureties. 

1812, January. "VVm. Roberts, deputy coroner, is paid $4.45 
" for viewing a dead body, for drawing the necessary writing in 
the same, for traveling, venire," &c. James Bryant for taking 
care of the dead body $5. 

" Ordered that one acre of land be taken off Morgan township 
and added to Clinton, which acre was purchased of Martin Cosner 
by Silas Brown, in range 12, township 6." 

"The Overseers of the Poor is directed to seize and sell the 
property of a ticgro called Wm. Jackson." 



KNOX COUNTY. 123 

The Commissioners lield their meetings at differ- 
ent places as the following orders show : 

" To John Jones 50 cents for house rent last meeting." " To 
Ash 75 cents for same this meeting." 

A new court Jioiise. is being erected, and the Jour- 
nals state that 

" Solomon Geller and George Downs did receive by subscrip- 
tions $745." 

On the 10th of April, 1812, the following entry 
is made : 

" The Commissioners this day did examine the court house built 
by George Downs and Geller, and do receive the same." 

'No sooner is the new court house ready for use 
than the Commissioners become involved in trouble 
about its occupancy, by different sects, as will be 
explained by the following entries on the Journal: 

"Whereas, a number of the inhabitants of this county has made 
application for the use of the court house in Mount Vernon, for the 
purpose of occupying the same for preaching and holding public 
worship therein ; it is, therefore, ordered that the diflferent denomi- 
nations of christians are allowed to occupy the same for the afore- 
said purpose provided that each denomination shall have the use 
of the same for one meeting once in four weeks ; provided also, 
that the different denominations aforesaid shall meet and mutually 
agree upon the time or times they shall hold the same, which shall 
be in force for one year unless they do not agree on the times they 
shall hold their meetings aforesaid, and each denominatuai failing 
to clean up the house and have the same in as good repair as they 
found it within three days, it shall forfeit their privilege aforesaid, 
and shall at all times be liable to make good all damages done by 
such denomination at their meetings aforesaid ; and James Smith 
shall keep the key of the house aforesaid ; it is further provided, 
that each denomination aforesaid shall furnish the said house with 
at least fifty feet of good strong Benches for the use of the house 
aforesaid, which shall be left there for the use of all publick busi- 



124 HISTORY OP 

ness wtich shall be necessary previous to sucli denomination occu- 
pying the said house for the pm-pose aforesaid." 

Eminently catliolic and practical — especially the 
Bench part ! 

The brethren conld not occupy together in unity, 
and accordingly the Commissioners on the 8th of 
June, 1813, pass this resolution : 

" Resolved, That the court house, from this date, be closed and 
kept lockt from all denominations except courts." 

This brought about a cessation of hostilities, and 
again petitions poured in for use of the court house 
agreeing to agree as to time of using it, &c. There- 
upon Commissioners Herrod, Cooper and McMil- 
len, on the 22d of June, meet for the special jjur- 
pose of ordering 

" That the court house be opened as formerly by and under the 
same rules as formerly." 

One great difficulty was that the Methodists 
were unwilling to let the " !N^ew Lights," who had 
split oif from them, come in under the order as first 
made. These were times fraught Avitli great peril 
to the churches, as elsewhere recorded. 

The following order appears : " Treasurer pay to George Davis 
75 cents for being accommodating with load of wood for the court." 

John Lee is paid $2 for riding with returns of 
Senatorial election of 1812 to IS^ewark. John 
Shrimplin endeayors to get a road from his mill, 
which Wm. Darling, James Rightwire and John 
Green report as not of j^ublic utility, and the peti- 
tion is rejected. Stei)hen Stilwell is taxed fourfold 
for refusing to give in four horses to the lister for 



KlfOX C0U2!fTT. 125 

taxation, and Amos Yarnard is also taxed fourfold 
uj)on one liorse. Samuel Kratzer is allowed $1.62 J 
for iron for the jail, and Archibald Crofford f 4.75 
for iron and labor done on the jail. The rate of 
taxation on taverns in 1812 is $8 for all located on 
Market st., Mount Yernon, all others on other 
streets of Mount Yernon and on road from Mount 
Yernon to Newark and in Fredericktown $7, and 
all others in the county f 6. 

In 1811, July, Francis Hardista is taxed fourfold 
for refusing to return seven head of cattle to the 
lister. G. Downs and J. Martin are allowed $80 
for shutters for court house. And the court house, 
but recently erected, is found to need alteration and 
rej)airs, so Solomon Geller purchased the job of 
making certain repairs for $799.70. The county, 
at this time, seems to have had a troublesome pris- 
oner, as the following payments were made for 
standing guard over the prisoner, Beldon : 

" Calvin Hill 3 nights, $1.50; Wm. Deliart 10 niglits and one 
day, $5.50; Henry Burge for 9 nights and one day, $5; James 
Irvine 19 nights and one day, $10; John Cramer 13 nights and 
one day, $7 ; Thomas Sprague one night, $1 ; Samuel Kratzer for 
guarding, $7.50; Jacob Woodruff, $14.75; Samuel Breese, con- 
stable, .95 ; Michael Click for trailing after prisoner Beldon, $1 ; 
Eli Gregg $1 for aiding in committing A. Beldon to jail, and Wm. 
Dehart for trailing after Beldon, $3." 

Thus the snug little sum of $58.20 was expended 
in guarding, because Mike Click had convinced the 
people that, as he said, the "jail is not worth one 
tarn !" 



126 HISTORY OP 

VARIOUS NOVEL ITEMS AND ADVERTISEMENTS OF THESE TIMES. 

" FRIENDLY ADVICE ! ! 

"The person who made so free as to horroio my Axe without my 
liberty, is respectfully solicited to return it immediately — otherwise, 
he will find his Axe, like the Indian's Gun, to cost more than it 
comes to. He can either leave it himself or by proxy at my wood- 
pile. T. BURR. 

March 1, 1813." 

Oak bark for tanning was worth in April 1813, 
at Clinton, $2.50 per cord. Samuel H. Smith was 
then carrying on a tanyard there. 

A concert was held at Mt. Yernon, in the court 
house, May 6tli, at 10 o'clock, P. M., under direc- 
tion of M. ~D. Lewis, of different singing societies 
in the county. " All those wlio feel willing to 
participate with us are earnestly solicited to attend." 

May 3d. James Smith's Yindicatioii is now pub- 
lished, and offered for sale at Clinton and Mount 
Yernon — "for resisting the ecclesiastical power and 
authority of their Episcopal dignity, lliehael WJi^ 
and JDavid Youngs 

"TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. 

*' This may certify that I was present when Mr. Isaac Beam ex- 
amined a trunk and bundle belonging to Polly McCracken, for 
table cloths, but found nothing resembling such in either trunk or 
bundle. T. BURR. 

May 3, 1814." 

George Paul, Col. 27th Infintry, was appointed, 
by Maj . General Harrison, to take command of the 
recruiting service for the 27th Heg't., and estab- 
lished his office at Zanesville, March, 1811. 

"Samuel H. Smith having added a large stock of goods to his 
former assortment, will trade for butter, sugar, country linen, rye, 
com, hides, deer skins and furs. Doct. T. Burr is duly authorized 



KNOX COUNTY. 127 

to attend to his business, and will prescribe gratis to purchasers 
of drugs and medicines, (fee. 
December, 1813." 

John H. Piatt, of Cincinnati, advertises, April 
4tli, 1814, for 5,000 barrels flour, and 200 barrels 
whisky delivered at Eort Meigs, " or at any con- 
venient place on the Lake shore to save transporta- 
tion by land." 

Samuel H. Smith gave 75 cents per dozen or 90* 
cents in tine hats, for Rabbit skins. 

GRAND CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM'S CIRTII-DAY, 1814. 

On the morning of the 4th of July the flag of 
the United States was hoisted near Mr. Zebulon 
Ashley's dwelling house, on a liberty pole 68 feet 
in length, and the day was celebrated by a respect- 
able number of the citizens of Strong'' s settlement 
and its vicinity. After an elegant dinner 18 toasts 
were drank, accompanied with the discharge of 
musketry. From the number we extract the fol- 
lowing : 

" The President of the United States, prefers republican jirinciple^ 
to British tyranny — May the Constitution be his life guard. 

" The American Sword, which is drawn in defense of our coun- 
try — May it never be returned till it has pierced the heart of our 
enemy. 

" Perry and his brave crew on Lake Erie — May they ever be vic- 
torious while their swords are drawn in defense of America. 

" The United States of America — May they ever be too indepen- 
dent to be governed by any other nation. 

"Success to the American Eagle, not forgetting Great Britain, 
hoping its kingdom may be brought down." 

The others alike partake of the warlike spirit 
engendered by the war, and breathe hate and defi- 
ance to the foe. 



128 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XI. 

The eccentric chapter in our early history — being all that I8 
known of the history of johnny appleseed. 

Ai^ original cliaractor flourislicd in this part of 
the country at an early day, who was always con- 
si)icuous in times of excitement and danger, and 
his vigilant care of the early settlers entitles him 
to a tribute at our hands. The sobriquet of Johnny 
Appleseed attached to him, though his real name 
was Chapman, in consequence of his being ever 
engaged in gathering and planting appleseed and 
cultivating nurseries of apple trees. Many of the 
earliest settlers recognized in him an old acquain- 
tance, who had wandered about for years along the 
streams of western Pennsylvania, engaged in the 
same j)ursuit and preparing the way for those who 
might follow upon his trail to have their own 
orchards. 

He w ould find suitable spots of ground along the 
banks of creeks and rivers, in which to make small 
clearings, and there he would plant the seed he 
had gathered, fence in the ground, and then leave 
it to germinate and grow in coming years into fine 
nurseries, which he would have in readiness for 
the coming settlements. He would make just as 
many nurseries as he could get seed to plant, and 



Ki!j^ox cou:NrTT. 129 

he never lost any time in gathering and preparing 
for the future. He did not restrict his operations 
to the settled portions of the country, but went 
into the wilderness regions and among the Indians 
and wild beasts, having his trust in God and fear- 
ing no harm. 

In personal appearance he was prepossessing, 
when one could get sight of his eyes and well 
formed head ; about medium height, quick and 
restless and uneasy in his motions, and exceedingly 
uncouth in dress. In truth he cared not what he 
wore, nor who before him might have worn the 
garment upon his back — whether it was too large 
or too small for his person. The greater part of 
his traflBic with the world was in exchanging his 
trees, at a nominal price, for old worn out clothes. 
He incased his person, at all times, in what might 
be called thrown away garments. Eor covering to 
the head he was not particular whether he wore an 
animal's skin, a cloth, or tin case. He has been 
seen with head gear of each kind, and without foot 
apparel of any description, Eor a time, after the 
war, he wore an old military chapeau, which some 
officer had given him, and thus accoutred he came 
suddenly upon a dutchman, who had just moved 
into the country, and scared him most to death as 
he stood in his bare feet with '< one tarn muscle 
shell cocked on his head." The sides were ripped,, 
and as it flopped in the wind — on a head covered 
with long black hair, a face with a long beard and 
dark black eyes peering out from the vast under- 
growth, and a body enveloped in a coifee sack with 
9 



130 HISTORY OF 

a hole through which he had run his head, it was 
enough to frighten any honest dutchman almost 
out of his wits. 

He lived the roughest kind of a life — slept the 
gi-eater part of the time in the woods — by the side 
of logs — and on the bare ground. He was harm- 
less and inoffensive — always striving to save the 
feelings of mankind and of the brute creation. 
Very many anecdotes are remembered character- 
istic of Johnny Applesecd. The following show 
the native goodness of his heart : One night he 
built his camp fire at the end of a hollow log, in 
which he intended to pass the night, but as a bear 
and her cubs had a pre-emption claim to the hole 
in the tree, he moved his fire to another spot and 
slept all night on the snow, exposed to the storm, 
rather than disturb the varmints. Another time, 
when he had a camp-fire near the creek where the 
musquitoes were very bad and flew into the blaze 
and were consumed, he took off his tin head gear, 
filled it with water, and put out the fire, saying, 
" God forbid, that I should build a fire for my o^vn 
comfort that should be the cause of destroying any 
of his other created works." And still another is 
that one morning he was bitten by a rattlesnake, 
and some time after he related the circumstances 
with tears in his eyes as he said " poor fellow ! he 
only just touched me, when in an ungodly passion 
I put the heel of my scythe on him and killed him." 

He had the following told at the expense of his 
bare feet, which had become hardened beyond 
belief by long usage "out of doors" and exposure 
to the cold. At one time he crossed Lake Erie on 



KKOX COUNTY. 131 

the ice barefooted, and wlien nigM overtook liim — 
the man traveling in company with him was frozen 
to death — but old Johnny, by rolling about on the 
ice, kept warm, and in aftertimes was none the 
worse for it. 

An old citizen of Mansfield vouches for the fol- 
lowing : A traveling preacher was at one time 
holding forth on the scriptures in the public square, 
to a miscellaneous audience, when he exclaimed, 
"where is the barefooted christian traveling to 
heaven f Johnny Appleseed was among the audi- 
tors, laying flat on his back on a piece of timber, 
and he stuck his bare feet high in the air and cried 
out " here he is!" 

This artless child of nature was a man of much 
intelligence, and in his day and generation, much 
as he was hooted at and derided by the scofl'ers and 
jibers of the countiy, yet did he in his life time 
perform far more of good than they all did. If it 
is true, as claimed, that he who causeth a single 
blade of grass to grow, or plants a single shade 
tree, is a public benefactor, how much greater is the 
meed of praise due to poor old Johnny Appleseed, 
who caused thousands of fruit bearing trees to 
grow, and hundreds of orchards to blossom and 
bear fruit for the people. What lasting obliga- 
tions are we not under to him here in Knox county 
— in all central Ohio — in western Pennsylvania — 
in northern Indiana — and of a verity in all the 
" Great West," for our present most excellent fruits. 
God preserve his memory ! To help perpetuate it 
we have devoted this Chapter in our History — to 
be read by many whose parents and relatives would 



132 HISTORY OF 

have fallen victims to the relentless hate of the 
savage had Johnny Appleseed not have traveled 
from settlement to settlement along the Mohican, 
Owl Creek, the White Woman, the Muskingum, 
the Tuscarawas, and other water courses, notifying 
the families of the pioneers of the approach of dan- 
ger. Much, very much, may also he due this man 
of peace, this child of nature, for his kind oihces 
among the children of nature in turning their 
hearts from wrath and averting their purposes of 
destruction. Reader — think of these things. Na- 
tive Owl Oreeker ponder over them and cherish 
the memory of good old Johnny Appleseed. 

The promises he made he faithfully redeemed. 
Among other evidences of his keeping his word, 
we have the following : 

In 1819, Isaiah lioherts, then on his way to Mis- 
soiu'i, finding no boat at Zanesville ready to start 
on the trip down the river, footed dt to Marietta, 
and on the road met with Johnny Appleseed, who 
promised to call at his fathers in Knox county, and 
tell him where he parted with him, etc. Shortly 
after, Johnny made his appearance one night about 
dark, and was cheerfully received. He then had 
an old tattered coat and slouched hat, with hair 
and beard uncut and uncombed, and barefooted. 
After eating some supper, he espied a copy of "Bal- 
lon on Atonement," which he took and read for 
some time by candle-light, thinking at first it was 
good Swedenborg doctrine, and desired to take it 
with him; but after he read further, and found the 
kind of doctrine it inculcated, he threw it down 
indignantly, expressing his disappointment, and in 



KXOX COUITTT. 133 

a few moments after stretclied himself out, and 
went to sleep. 

Johnny Appleseed sometimes clipped his heard 
with scissors, hut never used a razor. His nurse- 
ries, near Mount Vernon, were located at the fol- 
lowing places : One in the then called Indian 
Eields, on the north bank of OavI Creek, directly 
west of Center Run, and another on the ground 
where James W. Porrest established his x^ottery, 
and known more recently as Ricli's pottery. 

The last time he was in this countiy, he took 
Joseph Mahaffey and pointed out to him two lots 
of land, at the lower end of Main street, west side, 
about where Morey's soap factory was carried on, 
which he said belonged to him, and sometime he 
might come back to them. The tail-race of the 
Clinton Mill Comj)any passed along there, and 
some of the around has since been washed awav 
by the water, and upon another portion stands the 
Mount Vernon Woolen Factory building. He has 
not been seen about here since 1829 ; but many a 
stray apple-tree that has been found upon the bor- 
ders of our streams, marked the spots where the 
barefooted pilgrim had marked his way. 

In 1837, the Kev. John Mitchell, when traveling 
on the Plymouth Circuit, met him traveling along 
the road on foot and in his shirt sleeves, as con- 
tentedly as a prince. He told him then that he 
lived " out west." 

Johnny Appleseed in religious belief was called 
a Swedenborgian ; in truth, he was of the primi- 
tive Christian style, taking little thought for the 
morrow, satisfied that God would provide for his 



134 HISTORY OF 

people, liring iu meekness and liumility, and walk- 
ing npriglitly. He had his peculiarities — who have 
them not '? He had his frailties — who is clear of 
them'? 1^0 wonder the Indians liked him. They 
could read his character at a glance. All was re- 
yealed by his eye, clear as the sunlight of God. He 
was without selfishness ; he sought not to intrigue 
with or cheat them — he would do them no wrong. 
He put confidence in their honor, and they never 
would do him wrong. Many and many a time has 
that faithful old hermit traA eled through the settle- 
ments on foot and alone, putting his countrymen 
on their guard. Often have we been told of these 
trips by those who have passed and now are pass- 
ing away. Of him it was strictly and literally 
ti'ue, as sung by the poet : 

"Man wants but little here below, 
Nor wants that little long." 

A few apple-seeds — a few sprouts — a few old 
books to read, and life to him was full of happiness. 
He had been favored with education, men knew 
from his knowledge of books, and his desire to read 
and have others read induced him at times to dis- 
tribute Swedenborg's books, and when he had not 
enough to go around the company he would tear 
them in pieces, and give a part to each. ]N^othing 
more was known of his early days. It was said 
that he was from Connecticut — a stray Yankee — 
who wandered off from the fold into these mlds, 
but no one knew for certain as to who he was, 
where he came from, or what became of him. We 
will give, however, to such as feel an interest in his 



KNOX COUNTY. 135 

history all tliat we have been able to gather of his 
later years. 

Haying disposed of many of his nurseries, and 
ha^dng others destroyed in part, which had began 
to grow from fourteen bushels of apple-seed last 
planted by him on Owl Creek, the Black Fork of 
Mohican, and the Whetstone, he concluded to mi- 
grate farther west, and managing to get an old 
mare or two loaded with seeds, he left this part of 
the country for Sandusky prairie ; and from thence 
made his way west,* planting nurseries, and living 
after the manner he did here, till finally the old fruit 
ripened, and was gathered near Fort Wayne, Indi- 
ana, leaving nothing save the fragrance of good 
deeds and charitable acts to teach the future that 
such a being as Jolmny Appleseed had ever been 
and jiassed like an exlialation — the moisture of the 
morning's dew dried up by the heat of the sun at 
meridian ! 



* Note. Silas Mitchell informs us since the above was written that in 
the fall of 1843, when living in Whiteside's county, Illinois, Johnny Ap- 
pleseed passed through that county on foot, and stopped all night with 
Aaron Jackson, son of Ziba, and left in the morning, stating that he was 
then from the Iowa prairies on his way to a Swendenborg Convention in 
Philadelphia. 



136 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XII. 

Knox cottntt ntiRisG the war.- — Population pretty much at a stand 
STILL.' — Evekts. — Volunteers, &c. — Some incidents of a more stir- 
ring CHARACTER. A TOUCH OF INDIAN WARFARE. FORTS AND BLOCK- 
HOUSES erected to save LIVES AND SCALPS. 

The settlements in Knox county being upon the 
borders, it may be presumed tliat the news of the 
declaration of war in 1812, and the threatening as- 
pect of aifairs kept our citizens wide awake and 
active. The Indians at that time were far more 
numerous upon Owl Creek, Mohican and^ in all 
parts of this country than the whites, and they re- 
quired the closest kind of watching to keep them 
from depredating, killing and scalping the people. 
I^orth of our present county line, the settlers were 
few and far between, and the county of Richland 
at that time made its returns to, and for judicial 
and other purposes was a part of, Knox. Hence 
within our borders, we may say, were enacted some 
of the deadliest scenes of slaughter. The killing 
of the Seymours and Rufner, and the massacre at 
Copuses are within the recollection of many of our 
oldest citizens. From several of those who were 
at the time familiar with these horrid murders we 
have obtained full statements, but as from the ter- 
mination of the war, and the organization of Rich- 
land to the present, the scenes where the tragedies 



K5?^0X COUNTY. 137 

were enacted have belonged to onr sister county, we 
will not go into detail in regard to them. 

The people clustered together more closely than 
formerly, and at once made calculations for succor 
and i^lans for defence from the savage foe. A block- 
house was constructed at Frederick, and surrounded 
with pickets. After the war the building was con- 
verted into a school house. It was a frame, built 
on the square under direction of Captain Ayers, 
and moved on wheels to a point near where the 
railroad noAv runs. It was used for church and 
educational purposes for man}^ years. Many fam- 
ilies went to the fort at Frederick for safety. Will- 
iam Mitchell prepared his house for a siege — made 
heavy batten doors with iron bars, port holes for 
guns, etc. One of his boys rode express, another 
kept out with scouting parties, and the old man with 
two workmen, who staid with him, were constantly 
on the look out for attack. The girls practiced 
shooting with rifles, so as to be ready for a large 
force of Indians at any time, and with his two dogs, 
"Gunner" and "Rover," that two story log house 
was prepared for one tight at least. 
y At John Lewis' was erected a blockhouse, where 
that neighborhood could defend themselves. 

Upon the tax duplicate of Madison township, for 
the year 1811, is found the names of "James Ooj)us, 
4 cattle, 40 cents;" "Philip Zeamore, 1 horse, 30 
cents," and "Frederick Zeamore, 2 horses and 2 
cattle, 80 cents," as returned to the commissioners 
of our county. 

These men were among the victims of Indian 
barbarity in the commencement of this war. The 



138 HISTORY OF 

Seymour's lived on the Kocky or crooked fork of 
the Mohican, a little stream which headed above 
Mansfield. They were plain, simple minded peo- 
ple, who had been cultivating a small patch of 
ground and making slow but sure improvements on 
their location. Their nearest neighbor was a dutch- 
man named Martin Eufner, who lived in a little 
cabin with only a small dutch boy. The Seymour 
family consisted of Frederick and his wife, and 
their children Philip and Catharine. One night 
four Indians were seen about dark prowling around 
the neighborhood of Seymour's house, and Eufner 
went to their house and urged Philip to go over to 
Mr. Oopus and get help fi'om there to capture them. 
'No sooner had he started than the Indians entered 
the front door, when they Avere received in a friendly 
manner, and Catharine at once prepared supper for 
them, but the Indians instead of eating at once set 
upon the household and proceeded to kill and scalp 
them. Hufncr was a very strong man and fought 
like a tiger, but he was soon overpowered, killed 
by two balls through his body, and left scalped in 
the yard and with several of his fingers cut off by 
a tomahawk. The father, mother and daughter 
were killed and scalped. In a few days after this 
an attack was made by a party of Indians upon 
the cabins of Mr. Copus, who lived at the Black 
fort. Some men belonging to a scouting party 
were at the time stopping at his house, and four of 
them had gone to a spring a few rods o& to wash, 
when they were fired upon by the Indians who 
were hidden from view. Three of the men were 
killed and the fourth escaped into the house with a 



KlfOX COUNTY. 139 

bullet in liis tliigli. Mr. Copus, when in the act of 
looking out the door to see what was the affray, 
was shot in the breast, and the door was at once 
closed, and a vigorous resistance made to the attack 
of the savages, who came on with terrific yells and 
a volley of balls. The daughter of Mr. Oopus was 
shot in the thigh, and herself and mother for safety 
stowed away in the cabin loft. One of the men 
had his arm broken by a ball, and the house was 
completely riddled by bullets. Several of the In- 
dians were killed, and at length, after an hour's hard 
fighting, they withdrew from the field. 

The particulars of the Seymour massacre, we have 
got from a Knox county man who Avas near the 
scene, and saw the place where the hellish deed was 
committed the next day. William and Richard 
Roberts had been for some time engaged building 
a mill for Andrew Newman, within one mile and 
a half of SejTUOur's. The night they were killed 
the dog kept up such a disturbance that Newman 
aroused those in the house, telling them "by shure 
Indians about, I know py my tog" — the Indians 
were then always uppermost in the thoughts. The 
guns were got in readiness — a man named Shore 
helped load them as Newman cried out "by shure 
I shall spill all my powder, I can't load the gun " — 
and the score axes were also laid hold of, expecting 
an attack. There was no sleep for that night, and 
early in the morning word was got from Mr. Hill's, 
a neighbor, that Seymour's family was killed. Upon 
examination about where the forebay had just been 
raised, several moccasin tracks were discovered, and 
the evidence was clear that the Indians had medi- 



140 HISTORY OF 

tated an attack there, but feared they were too 
strong for them to succeed. Dui'ing the night 
howling as of wolves had been heard about where 
the race and dam had been dug. There were but 
the four men at ^N^ewman's. Within an hour from 
the time of hearing o the massacre, ISTewman got 
nj) his team and took all of his tricks to Mansfield. 
William Roberts at once rode around to Seymour's 
and viewed the scene. 

After this a trader in Mansfield, bv name of 
Jones, was killed and scalped by the Indians on an 
out lot north of the houses near where the depot of 
the railroad now is. He had a wife and two chil- 
dren. The Roberts' had at that time a job of work 
about one of the blockhouses. The news of this 
was carried by Johnny Appleseed, on horseback, 
to the Richardson neighborhood, and thence on 
to Frederick. The greatest excitement prevailed 
throughout the country, and many amusing things 
were said and done in this general panic. Among 
the most ludicrous was that of Samuel Wilson, who 
lived near the Quaker meeting house, and was so 
badlv scared that he rushed from his house with 
his overcoat on and his pantaloons under his arm, 
and in tliat condition ran all the way to Frederick. 

Application was made to Gov. Meigs for Ran- 
gers, and he sent an order for a company of twelve 
to be raised by Abner Ayers, whose beat was as- 
signed them on the frontier, and this, with other 
bodies out, kept quiet in the settlements. 

The friendly Indians of iha Delaware tribe in 
this portion of country were mainly of tlie Green- 
town gang. That place, so much talked about by 



KNOX COUNTY. 141 

early settlers, was about eight miles northeast from 
the Eichardson settlement, in Knox conntj, and 
within twelve miles of the Mansfield blockhouses. 
It was situated in the township of Green, laid out 
by our commissioners the 7th of January , 1812. 
The Indian village contained about sixty huts, and 
a council house built of posts and clapboards, sixty 
feet by twenty-five feet was its size. From 300 to 
500 Indians congregated about it. During the 
summer various acts of hostility were attributed to 
this band, and many of the whites, whose friends 
and relatives had been killed by the Indians, were 
disposed to make no distinction between tribes, but 
to kill an Indian whenever it could safely be done. 
Collisions between j)arties of settlers and Green- 
town Indians became frequent, and it was at length 
determined to drive them from the soil. Two dis- 
tinct races of people never have or can long live 
together in peace — one or the other must remain as 
subjects, or seek homes and freedom elsewhere. 
This little band of Indians became impressed with 
this historical truth and made ready to leave — some 
few, however, were loth to depart from the hunt- 
ing grounds of their youth — the graves of their 
fathers — the homes of their race. 

This was no time for sympathy with the race, 
and no tears were shed or regrets expressed by the 
settlers when the order come from the government 
for their removal. Under direction of the United 
States authorities they were removed via. Mans- 
field to Urbana, and thence to other western lands. 
Erom three of our old citizens, then young soldiers 
of Major Kratzer's command, we have gathered 



142 HISTOBYOF 

the particulars of their transfer, and have been told 
of a most brutal act committed by some white men, 
which shows more fully than language can express, 
the feelings of the greater part, if not all of this 
christian people. At the Mansfield station, our 
good old pastor, then of the Methodist, but subse- 
quently of the Kew Light persuasion, James Smith, 
was ofiiciating as Chaplain to the Regiment — for 
even in those early times soldiers thought such an 
ofiicer necessarv to their welfare. While there an 
Indian and his plighted squaw came up to the Rev- 
erend Smith to have him marry them in the most 
approved manner of whites. Wliile the guard were 
looking at the performance of the ceremony, an 
old Indian and his daughter made their escape, but 
before they got a mile off they were discovered by 
two men from Coshocton, named McCulloch and 
Morrison. Morrison shot the old Indian, who ran 
a short distance and fell to the ground. The young 
girl fled to the woods. The men having shot the 
Indian ran back to the blockhouse greatly excited 
and told their exploit, and under Kratzer's orders 
Sergeant Gilkison, with a squad of twelve, followed 
up the Indian to the spot where he lay bleeding 
from the wound of a bullet in his chest, and to Gil- 
kison's inquiry as to who he was, he replied " a 
friend." Morrison and McCulloch having joined 
the band at this answer, the latter exclaimed " d — m 
you! I'll make a friend of you!" and struck at his 
head with his tomahawk. And then stamped his 
foot on the neck of the dying Indian and sunk his 
tomahawk in his head. Sergeant Gilkison tried to 
prevent this fiendish act but could not accomplish 



KI^^OX OOUI^TT. 



143 



it. Many of the old settlers tell of this feat of Mc- 
OuUoch's with great gusto, and add that he subse- 
quently roved about among the western wilds taking 
revenge for two of his brothers who had been killed 
by Indians, by waylaying and shooting down and 
scalping every friendly or hostile Indian he met. 
Such are some of the traditions of frontier life. 
The early settlers underwent many hardships and 
privations ; but their sufferings from the savage foe 
were greater than the imagination of their descend- 
ants who occupy beds of down at night and cush- 
oins of quilted ease by day — who dress in silks, sat- 
ins, and fine velvets with furbelows — who clothe 
themselves in purple and fine linen — can realize or 
comprehend. 

MUSTER ROLL OF CAPT. JOSEPH WALKER'S COMPANY, UNDER 
THE COMMAND OF COLONEL LEWIS CASS, MUSTERED TO THE 
FIRST OF NOVEMBER, 1812. 

Joseph Walker, Captain, engaged ?tli June for 12 months. 



R. M, Brown, Lieutenant. 
John Elliott, 1st Sergeant. 
John Barney, 2d " 
Archd. Crawford, 3d " 
Peter Kyle, 4th " 



Saml. Everett, 1st Corporal. 
George Dickinson, 2d " 
Josiah Trimbly, 3d 
Lewis Grindstaff, 4th " 



Abram Emmett, 
Saml. Yoman, 
Michael Barton, 
Jacob Wolf, 
John Smith, 
Harley Strong, 
Alex. Enos, 
John Wefford, 
James Wood, 
John Sunderland, 
David Elwell, 



PRIVATES: 

Alexr. Walker, 
Philip Walker, 
Robert Davidson, 
Andrew Welker, 
Powel Welker, 
Paris Sprague, 
Isaac Rogers, 
Joseph King, 
John Ryan, 
John McConnell, 
Benjn. Simpkins, 



Rivenus Newel, 
Daniel Swagert, 
Emanuel Hawn, 
Adam Lynn, 
Michael Davis, 
Nicholas Kyle, 
Wm. Wallace. 
Rawley Clark, fifer. 
Henry Clemmens, 
drummer. 



144 HISTOETOF 

Among the number of volunteers was John H. 
Mefford, a native of Connels^dlle, Eayette co., 
Pa., who at the time of the breaking out of the 
war was teaching school in Hawkins' neighbor- 
hood, about five miles from Shrimplen's mill. He 
served under Oapt. Walker and also in Capt. John 
Spencer's company, of Avhich last he was a Lieu- 
tenant and had coumiand after Hull's surrender. 

After his return to Mount Vernon he married 
Abigail Mitchell, and worked at his trade, as a 
saddler, in partnership with his brother. He served 
the people as Justice of the Peace and as Associate 
Judge, and was a man of much popularity. He 
was possessed of some poetical talent, and it is said, 
by some, was the author of a noted song about 
"Hull's surrender." He was a good singer, which, 
in early times, in a country, is considered a great 
accomplishment. He died at Findlay about 1845, 
leaving two boys and three girls. His widow sur- 
vives, and with the family now resides at [N^orwalk. 

Another was Hichard Montgomery Brown, whose 
name mil be found as Lieutenant in Oapt. Walker's 
company. He was born in Massachusetts, of revo- 
lutionary stock. His father, Samuel Brown, was 
under Montgomery at Quebec, was taken and im- 
prisoned 9 months, and was subsequently a pen- 
sioner of the U.S. His father emigrated to Brooke 
county, Virginia, and from thence to the neighbor- 
hood of St. OlairsAdlle, Ohio, in 1805 ; from there, 
in Oct., 1811, Richard M. moved to Mount Vernon, 
and engaged at his trade as a chairmaker and house 
painter. He has been in three new countries where 
the Indians yet were inhabitants. When he lived 



KI^^OX COUXTY. 145 

in Brooke county, Ya., no roads were tlien cleared 
out, nor streets in Wellsville or St. Olairsville. 
Indians then and there were plenty and savage. 
He volunteered at Mount Yernon, June 8th, 1812, 
and was mainly instrumental in getting up the 
company to which he belonged. One company 
was then raised at Newark and another at Gran- 
ville. Enos was then Col. and Kratzer Major of 
the militia. Major Munson, the recruiting officer, 
came to Mount Yernon when the Regiment was 
out on parade, and on call for volunteers the whole 
company of Joseph Walker, with Brown as Lieu- 
tenant, turned out. There were 12 in the com- 
pan3^ Emanuel Hawn was to have been Ensign, 
but no election was gone into for that office on 
account of a quarrel with the Clintonites. They 
volunteered for one year, and served until surren- 
dered by Gen. Hull, in August. This company 
mustered in a Regiment, of which Lewis Oasswas 
Ool., and the other officers, my informant believes, 
were Munson, Major, and Norton, Adjutant. 

The company rendezvoused at Urbana with regi- 
ments of Col. McArthur and Col. Eindlay, of 
Hull's brigade, and from thence marched to De- 
troit. They were piloted on an Indian trail to De- 
troit, by roads which were cut out from the Scioto 
to the Maumee, and from there to Erench Creek 
and River Raisin, etc., following trails. A band, 
part Indians and part white blood — the Zanes and 
McCullochs, of Zanesfield near Bellefontaine, who 
had intermarried with Indians, and they had half 
breed children, acted as principal pilots. When 
Hull surrendered, Walker's company returned by 

10 



146 HISTORY OF 

Greentown, Black Fork of Mohican and TTooster. 
The militia of the county was then called out en 
masse by Major Kratzer, and eveiy man in Mount 
Vernon went out to guard the frontier but old 
George Lybarger, who was left in charge of the 
women and children. "When Fort Meigs was be- 
seiged Lieut. Brown, now Captain by brevet, says 
that two thirds of the men in the county went on 
to the Tort, and after the siege was raised he re- 
turned, haying in his company Swigert from Fair- 
field, a man from Coshocton and some from other 
counties. All men who could go — impelled by the 
sense of danger went without delay — singly and 
not waiting for battalions. 

Capt. Brown in 1816 married Mary HaAyn, and 
settled down to his trade, at which he succeeded in 
making a competency, and now in his 73d year, 
with his wife and a portion of his children yet lives 
in Mount Vernon. Two of his children, James P. 
and Mrs. Elizabeth UpdegTaff, now reside in Wis- 
consin ; two, Samuel K. and George W. in Colorado 
Territory, and one Mrs. Mary Sapp in I^ebraska. 

Colonel Alex. Enos, was one of the number sur- 
rendered up by General Hull, and on his return he 
attempted to take command of the men raised in 
Knox county, but Major Kratzer contended, that 
as he was a prisoner of war, he had no longer a 
right to the command. 

Another active man in these times was Captain 
John Greer, who raised a company in the eastern 
part of the county, of which Daniel Sapp was 
Lieutenant, and George Sapp, Ensign. 

The regimental adjutant was John Stilley ; sur- 
geon. Dr. Timothy Burr; chaplain, Bev. Jas. Smith. 



KNOX COUKTY. 147 



CHAPTER XIII. 

NOTABLE EVENTS OF 1815. 

NlNETFCEJJ I\DICTME>JT3 FOR FrC.HTS A\D 'FRATS. — 'NeW ROADS ESTABLISHED. 

— The jail a costly thimg. — -Licenses to preach, to sell and to enter- 
tain. — The supreme court for seven terms. — The old folks sing. — 
What pay soldiers received in olden time. — The lawyers get into 
THE county. — Election of 1815 for state and county officers. 

The Grand Jury at tlie spring term of Common 
Pleas Court consisted of Anthony Banning-, fore- 
man, John Merritt, Peter Bricker, John Hawu, 
David Hawn, John Green, Wm. Marquis, George 
Davis, Moses Craig, James Strange, Azariah Davis, 
Jacob Martin, Benjamin BeU and Gilman Bryant. 
Tliey returned 19 indictments for "assault and 
battery" and "affrays." Quite a number of the 
parties plead guilty, and were fined f 2 and costs. 
Of this Grand Jurv but one man is no^v livina'. 
Adnal Hersey, of the Christian Church, was licens- 
ed to marry. John Cook, of the Baptist, Avas als^o 
licensed to do the same. Samuel Mott was appoint- 
ed Master Commissioner in chancerv. Tavern li- 
censes were granted this year to Jonathan Hunt, 
Elisha CoruAvall, Abner Ayres, John Baxter and 
A. H. Boyce ; and store license to Mcholas Mc- 
Carty, George Girty, Eli Miller, Anthony Banning, 
L. S. Silliman, Gilman Bryant, John Wilson and 



14S HISTORY OF 

James N; Ayres. Two important roads are opened 
this year, namely : from Mount Vernon towards 
Sandusky, under the supervision of John Lewis, as 
commissioner, for which he is granted by the county 
commissioners orders for f 100, and is paid f 15 for 
his services ; another, a road opened by Benjamin 
Rusli, as commissioner, to Mansfield, for which ser- 
vices he is paid $9, and $200 is expended by the 
county in work upon the same. Among the bills 
paid in IS^ovember, 1818, by the commissioners, are : 
to Anthony Banning, for 182^ lbs. iron, and brick 
for jail, f26.55, and Archibald Croflferd, for the fol- 
lowing work for the county : 1 pr. liand-cufls, $3 ; 
1 hasp, 50 cents ; shackles and hasp, $1.50 ; 2 gi-ates, 
$13.80 ; eight spikes, 50 cents— $19.50. The job of 
making further improvements to the jail and jailor's 
house is given to Wm. Douglass at $125. The 
commissioners were determined, if possible, to make 
the jail burglar proof. That little log thing was a 
great institution truly — a first rate concern to sink 
money in, without any prospect of ever getting it 
back. 

SUPREME COURT— 1810-16. 

The first session of the Supreme Court of the State 
of Ohio held in Knox county w^as on the 3d day of 
August, 1810, by Honorables William W. Irwin 
and Ethan Allen Brown. 

James Smith was appointed clerk for seven years. 

The only cases were those of the State vs. Ichabod 
Nye and Samuel ISije. Upon oath by the defend- 
ants that they did not believe an impartial trial 



KJfox cou:n^ty. 149 

could be liad, the Teniie was changed to Licking 
county. 

E. Herrick, Esq., attended as prosecuting attor- 
ney. 

The second session was hekl May 1st, 1811, but 
two causes were on the docket. Sylvenias Law- 
rence, for the use of Benjamin Rush, vs. George 
Davidson, and James Peuthres ts. Samuel Kratzer ; 
both of which were dismissed. Xo other business 
was to be transacted, and the court adjourned until 
tlie next court in course. 

The third term was held April 9th, 1812. In 
addition to the former cases the docket shows the 
following : Joseph Butler vs. Elizabeth Yendrew ; 
Wm. AV. Farquhar vs. James Craig; Andrew Craig 
vs. Henry McCart and James Cunningham ; James 
Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith; Henry Smith vs. Ben- 
iamin Barnev; Henrv Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith 
and Benjamin Barney; and Thomas Slater vs. 
Lovina Slater. Attachments were issued vs. Amos 
'Yarn old and Alexander Enos for refusing to attend 
as witnesses. 

The case of Slater vs. Slater is the first divorce 
question ever presented in Knox county. 

The fourth term was held on the 2d of August, 
1813, bv Thomas Scott and Ethan A. Brown. 

Wm. C. Enos was qualified as attorney and coun 
sellor at law as the law requires. 

The case of Lawrence for use of Bush is dismiss- 
ed for want of bond to prosecute the appeal. 

In Craig vs. McOart and Cunningham, judgment 
of non-suit is entered, because of non-appearance of 
plaintitf. Earquhar vs. Craig is continued, and the 



150 HISTORY OF 

defendant is to pay all costs of tliis term witliin six 
months, or judgment, &c. John Jones vs. Joseph 
CherryHolmes and George Lybarger — the complain- 
ant being thrice called did not appear, nor any per 
son to prosecute this suit for him, therefore tlie in- 
junction is dissolved and bill dismissed. The in- 
junction case of Benjamin Barney vs. Henry Smith 
is heard by counsel, and the injunction is made 
perpetual, plaintiff to pay all costs. James Smith 
vs. Samuel H. Smith is argued by counsel, and the 
court decide that the defendant go hence, witJiout 
day, and recover of plaintiff costs, &c. David Davis 
vs. John Cambridge, removed from Licking count}^ 
is continued. Slater's divorce j)etition is dismissed 
at cost of plaintiff. Lewis Dent and Co. vs. John 
Wheeler— judgment for plaintiff for |493.80 and 
costs. Another divorce case, Isaac Bonnet vs. 
Elizabeth Bonnet, is continued at cost of plaintiff", 
to be paid in six months, and npon condition tliat 
he give personal notice to the defendant of the 
ponding of this suit in six months. 

On the evening of the 3d of August, having spent 
two days, court adjourned. 

The fifth term was held August 15, 1811 — Judges, 
William W. Irwin and Ethan A. Brown. 

John Williamson vs. Samuel Farquhar is con- 
tinued at defendant's cost. 

Isaac Bonnet vs. Mary Bonnet, divorce. "After 
argument the court continued the cause under ad- 
visement until the Coshocton Supreme Court, their 
decision to be certified from that or some other 
Court to this Court." The first jury eause ever tried 



^' 



KNOX COUKTT. 151 

in the Supreme Court for this county is that of 
Wm. W. Earquhar vs. James Craig. 

Jury — Wm. Harriss, John Harriss, John Sawyer, 
Jacob Cooper, John Kerr, Bartholomew Bartlett, 
John Davidson, John Wilson, Thomas White, 
Erancis Mitchell, Isaac Bonnet and Benjamin Mar- 
tin. Verdict for plaintiiF, f 103.60. A motion is 
made by defendant for a new trial, argued by coun- 
sel, and overruled by Court. 

The State of Ohio vs. Martin D. Lems. On 
indictment by Grand Jury of Licking county for 
larceny. On motion, and affidavit of defendant, 
the Court ordered venue to be changed to this coun- 
ty, on defendant giving bond for f 500 and security 
in $200 to appear first day of next term. Henry 
Markley becomes his security. After two days' 
session. Court adjourned. 

The sixth term was held August 7th, 1815. 
Judges — Ethan A. Brown and John A. Couch, 
who j)i*o(luced his commission in room of Hon. 
Thomas Scott, resigned, &c. 

The only jury trial was that of Samuel Mott vs. 
Oilman Bryant. Jury — Isaac Vore, Sr., John Ven- 
noms, Samuel Durbin, James McOibeny, Joseph 
Hunt, John Arbuckle, Thomas Williams, Moses 
Merrit, Oeorge Dial, Wm. Sapp and John Stilley. 
"Verdict for plaintiff, $5 and costs. Josiah Hedges 
vs. Samuel Kratzer, Andrew Craig and Oeorge 
Davis. Default against defendants, and cause con- 
tinued for inquiry. Anthony Banning vs. Sam- 
uel Kratzer and John Williamson. On motion 
of plaintiff's counsel for dismission of appeal, on 
hearing tlie arguments of the parties by their 



152 HISTORY or 

counsel, it is therefore ordered tliat the motion be 
overruled. 

August Stli, 1815. John Williamson vs. Samuel 
Earquhar. Continued till next term, on motion 
and affidavit of j)laintiif, and at his costs. Wm. 
W. Alexander vs. John Wilson. Suit dismissed at 
costs of defendant, except docket fee in court be- 
low, which is not to be taxed to either party. An- 
thony Banning vs. Samuel Kratzer and John Wil- 
liamson. Decree by court for plaintiff, "as per 
decree on file, signed by Chief Judge." 

The above is a faithful abstract of all the busi- 
ness of this, the sixth, term of the Supreme Court. 

The seventh term was held August 15th, 1816, 
by Judges Brown and Couch, the latter having 
produced his commission for seven years from the 
lltli of Eebruary, 1810. But one cause was tried 
by jury — Moses Eobison vs. Isaac Dial. Yerdict 
for plaintiff, $101.80 and costs. Williamson vs. 
Earquhar is again continued, with leave to amend, 
and at costs of plaintiff. Stephen H. McDougal, 
assignee of Wm. Taylor, vs. Enoch Harris. Judg- 
ment by deftiult, for $88.80 and costs. There are 
four other cases upon the docket, in all of which our 
old friend Samuel H. Smith figures as plaintiff' or 
defendant. The other parties are Eobert Eulton, 
Erasmus Beaty, Levi Davis, Joseph Walker, admin- 
istrator of Philip Walker, and John Walker. On 
tlic 16th court adjourned till next court in course. 

The entire business of seven terms of the Su- 
preme Court for Knox County we have given, that 
our readers may form an idea of the amount and 



K]!^ox cou:n^ty. 153 

kind of business dispatclied, as also of the old 
settlers then participating in the luxury of law ! 

OTHER MATTERS OF SOME DEGREE OF INTEREST. 

In Eebruarj, 1815, George Girty opened a store 
in Mount Yernon, and also one at Eredericktown. 
There was but little increase in the number of 
lousiness men or in other respects this j^ear. 

On the 8th of April a "Singing Assembly" of 
ladies and gentlemen, comprising diiferent singing 
societies in the county, gaA e a grand concert at the 
court-house in Mount Yernon, at 1 o'clock P. M. 
All persons feeling willing to unite and particii)ate 
in the exercises came. It was one of the olden 
kind of gatherings, like the "Old Eolks' Concert" 
given in Mount Yernon this spring of 1862, as we 
have been assured by one of the vocalists who j)ar- 
ticipated in both "singing assemblies." 

In these war times, while some are disposed to 
gTumble at the low rates soldiers receive, it may 
be well to remind them of the pay in 1815. In 
March the ])ixy of non-commissioned officers and 
privates in the army of the United States was re- 
duced to the following prices: To each sergeant- 
major and quartermaster-sergeant, 9 dolhirs; ser- 
geants, 8 dollars; corporals, 7 dollars; teachers of 
music, 8 dollars; musicians, 6' dollars; artificers, 
10 dollars; and privates, 5 dollars. 

Samuel Mott had come all the Avav from Yer- 

« 

mont to practice law in the wilderness, and was 
the first lawver resident in the countv. Enos was 
the second, who, one of the old settlers says, had 



154 HISTORY OF 

just been made at home, and "wasn't la^ry er enougli 
to hurt." 

May 9th, H. Curtis takes this way of informing 
his friends and the public that he has changed his 
place of residence from Newark to Mount Vernon, 
and, in the vacations of the courts, clients will find 
him in the town of Mount Ycrnon. In 1817 he 
became a fixture of the county, and here remained 
until 1858, as elsewhere told. 

At the October election this whole county polled 
315 votes. Alexander Enos was chosen Kepre- 
sentative ; John Shaw, Sherifi:'; Oommissioner, Jon- 
athan Miller; Coroner, Dr. W. Hastings. 

Richland county, at this election, gave for Eep- 
resentative — Winn Winship, 156 ; A. Enos, 22 ; 
Eobei-t McMUlen, 10. 



KNOX COUNTY 155 



CHAPTER Xiy. 

MASONIC INSTITUTIONS. 

.Historical sketch of masonry in knox county. — Its origin. — Chrono- 
logical STATEMENT OK IT.-! EARLY EVENTS AND PUBLIC TRANSACTIONS 

And THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THE VARIOUS ORDERS. 

To tlie uicmbcrs of the craft the early liistory of 
Masonry is of deep and abiding interest. It dates 
back in the history of our county, as in that of tlie 
world, to a very remote period ; and its ancient 
transactions Avill in the future be regarded with 
greater concern. The si)acc allotted to this brand i 
of our work will allow but brief mention of the ori- 
gin and action of Mount Zion Lodge, as established 
at Clinton, and subsequently removed to Mount 
Vernon, and a chronological statement of public 
occurrences, celebrations, funerals, etc. 

The first meeting of delegates from all the Lodges 
in the State of Ohio was held at Chillicothe, on the 
first Monday of January, A. D. 1808, A. L. 5808, 
whereat, on motion of Brother Leicis Cass, it was 
resolved " that it is expedient to form a Grand 
Lodge in the State of Ohio." General Kufus Put- X 
nam was elected on the 7tli of January Rt. W. 
Grand Master, and other business pertinent to per- 
manent organization was transacted. At the Grand 



156 HISTORY OP 

Communication held at Cliillicotlic the 2d day of 
January, A. L. 5809, A. D. 1809, a petition was 
presented, signed by Brothers Samuel H. Smith, 
Nathaniel W. Little, Eicliard Eisliback, William 
Little, Alexander Enos, Jr., Icliahod Xye and 
Thomas Brown, praying this Grand Lodge to grant 
tliem a charter, to form a Lodge, by the name of 
" Mount Zion Lodge, ISTo. — ," which was read, and 
on motion seconded, 

*' Ordered, that until a charter can be made and granted to said 
brethren, for tlie aforesaid purpose, they shall be entitled to receive 
a dispensation therefor." 

By reference to the proceedings of the Grand 
Lodge of Ohio, held in Chillicothe, A. L. 5810, 
A. D. 1810, we find " Samuel H. Smith, represent- 
ative of Mount Zion Lodge, Xo. — ." 

In the same year that Knox county was organ- 
ized the initiatory steps were taken for the organi- 
zation of a Masonic Lodge ; tlie petition drawn up 
for this purpose, as above recited, was presented in 
the first month of the following year, 1809, and the 
original dispensation was numbered "7," though 
subseipiently changed to "9." 

The first Master of the Lodge was Samuel H. 
Smitli. Tlie first public installation of ofiicers was : 
Samuel H. Smith, W. M.; Alfred Manning, S. W.; 
Ichabod Xye, J. W.; Samuel ^ye, Treasurer; 
Oliver Strong, Secretary; Wm. P. Eoberts, S. D.; 
James Miller, J. D.; Wm. Bartlett, Peter Wolf, 
Stewards ; Richard Eishback, Tyler. 

Among the members of the Lodge in 1811 and 
1812 were : Amoriah Watson, George Downs, Peter 



KIT ox COUNTY. 157 

Kinuey, Joliii Barney, Abner Ayres, Joliii Wheeler, 
Charles Barney, K,. N. Powers, Charles Lofland, 
Jesse Proctor, Winn Winship, Rufus Crosby, 
Nicholas C. Boalse, P. M. 

Among the visiting brethren were : Wni. Erwin, 
Wm. Andrews, Jolm Clark, Robert Glass, Lemuel 
Chapman, Samuel Choate, P. M., Biverius Kewell, 
P. M., from Vermont. 

The standing committee for 1811 consisted of 
Nicholas C. Boalse, Oliver Strong, Alfred Manning. 

The Representative to the Grand Lodge in Chil- 
licothe, January, 1812, was Alfred Manning. 

Royal N. Powers succeeded Samuel H. Smith as 
W. M., and he was also elected Representative to 
the Grand Lodge. Alfred Manning was W. M. 
after Powers. 

Daniel Dimmick was made a W. M. June 20th, 
1812, and Lewis Jones, Richard Crooks, Thomas 
Rowland, Garret E. Pendergrass, Major Phineas 
Reed, among others, were also raised. 

Amoriah and Samuel Watson, at their request, 
were permitted to pay their dues as quarterly mem- 
bers. 

In October it was voted to remove this Lodge to 
the brick house in Clinton belonging to Bro. Samuel 
H. Smith. 

Samuel Everett and Valentine Giesy were among 
the visiting members. 

John Greer, John Garrison, John Haldeman and 
Thomas McClure were initiated in Januarv, 1813. 

Winn Winship and Levi Jones are considered 
quarterly members. Their residence, like the Wat- 



158 HISTORY OF 

son's, was in E,iclilancl county, a considerable dis- 
tance off. 

June 24tli, 1813, St. John tlie Baptist's day, was 
duly commemorated. An able oration was deliy- 
cred by Bro. Winn Winsliip, and in procession tlie 
brethren marclied to Bro. Boalse, and j)artook of a 
sumptuous dinner. Among the items of the Stew- 
ard's bill, appears — " tliis, with tlie musician's bill, 
$ — ." Our yenerable friend and brother, Judge 
Ezra Griswold, of Delaware, this spring gaye us an 
interesting account of this celebration. He was 
lu'csent as one of the musicians, belonging to the 
first band organized in this part of the State ; he at 
an early day went far as well as near to celebra- 
tions, etc. 

The Judge formerly liyed at Worthington, and 
is one of the pioneers of the press in this State. 

Among the brethren of the mjstic tie present 
were Gilman Bryant, George Downs, James Low, 
Lotliro}) Shirtliff, from IS^ew York, Wm. Anderson. 

In 18l4, at the meeting of the Grand Lodge in 
Ohillicothe, Samuel H. Smith was the Ilepresenta- 
tiye. The returns at this time sIkjw 27 members, 
3 fellow-crafts and 3 apprentices, one suspended 
and one expelled. 

John Shaw, Ichabod Marshal, Robert Buchanan, 
Samuel Yeoman, James L. Priest, Edward Wheel- 
er, George Dickinson, Daniel Ayres, John P. Mc- 
Ardle, Cyrus Langworthy and G. B. Maxfield are 
among the number initiated and receiying the Mas- 
ter's Degree this year. 

The Bey. Bro. Puller dcliyered a discourse to 



KNOX COUNTY. 159 

the Masonic Society of Mount Zion Lodge, in Clin- 
ton, on Wednesday, May 8tli, 1814. 

Mount Zion Lodge, ^o. 7, celebrated the festival 
of St. John the Baptist at Clinton, on the 24th of 
June, at 10 o'clock A.M., by public procession and 
a sermon at the meeting-house by Rev. Bro. Jose- 
phus S. Hughes. 

On the 27th of December, Bros. John Shaw, J. 
P. McArdle and Ichabod Marshal, the Standing- 
Committee, agreed witli Bro. Ichabod l^ye for 
Lodge-room and refreshments the ensuing year. 

Among the visiting brethren were Samuel Chap- 
man, Samuel Choate, P.M., Thomas Munson, Jo- 
seph Brown, Wm. Bartlett and John Hawn. 

The first funeral attended by the fraternity in 
tliis county was that of Bichard Pishback, mer- 
chant, of Clinton, who died in his 36th year, and 
was buried with Masonic honors on the 23d of May. 

1815. — The anniversary of St. John the Baptist 
was celebrated in Clinton by procession and the 
delivery of addresses by Bros. Yandeman and Cur- 
tis. Among the brethren present were Martin 

M. Kellogg, Wm. Wallace, Hallcrman, 

Porbes, Benj. Helman and Daniel Dimmick. 

The Lodge j)roposed to contract for the new 
Lodge-room, and the committee reported the 
amount of money in the coifers for said purpose, 
$131.80. In ISTovember a resolution passed, re- 
questing the Grand Lodge to grant authority to 
change sessions to Mount Vernon. 

The second Masonic funeral was that of Bro. 
Bobert Glass, December 3d, 1815. 



160 HISTORY OF 

111 1816, Winn Winshij) was Bepresentative to 
the Grand Lodge. 

Among the a isiting brethren of this year were 
Wni. Webster, Robert D. Moore, of Youghiogheny 
Lodge, ^o. 10, Pa., and John Warden, of Pa. 

The Standing Committee of this year consisted 
of John Shaw, Timothy Burr and Joseph Brown. 

There are very many items of deep interest con- 
nected with the histoiy of the Lodge at Clinton. 
The action of the pioneers of Masonry in Knox 
will in the distant future be regarded with much 
curiosity by those whose privilege it is to lift the 
vail and tread Avithin its sacred x)recincts. Por the 
present we rest. 

MOUNT ZION LODGE, NO. 9, AT MOUNT VERNON. 

By virtue of a dispensation of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, predi- 
cated Tipon a petition included in a resolution of De Witt Clinton 
Lodge, No. 9, introduced May Sth, 1816, and passed by a vote of 
the brethren on the 5th of June thereafter, and taking into con- 
sideration also the reasonable request of said prayer that said 
Lodge may be removed from Clinton in Knox county to Mount 
Vernon in said county, and authorized to hold their meetings at 
said town of Mount Vernon, by virtue of the present charter, 
Henry Brush, Grand Master, and by resolution of Grand Lodge 
at their last Grand Annual Communication, did grant full power 
and lawful authority to hold their regular and special meetings at 
Moimt Vernon. 

Done at Masons' Hall, Chillicothe, this 7th day of March, in 
the year of our redemption 1817, and of Masonry 5817. 

By the Grand Master, HeiXRV Brush. 

B.'Kercheval, Grand Secretary. 

A meeting was accordingly held by the Pree and 
Accepted Masons, inhabitants of Mount Vernon, 
on the 5th day of April, 1817, A. L. 5817, at the 



Kiq^OX COUITTY. 161 

coiu't-lioiise. Bro. Joseph Brown, Chairman, and 
Bro. Eobert D. Moore, Secretary. The communi- 
cation from the Grand Lodge was read and accept- 
ed, and a committee to draft a system of By-Laws 
for the government of the Lodge was appointed, 
consisting of John Shaw, John P. McArdle and 
Joseph Brown. 

Ordered, that the next meeting be held at the court-house, on 
the 11th inst., for the purpose of organizing a Lodge. On motion 
made and seconded, that we must meet at 3 o'clock P. M. of the 
11th inst.; decided in the affirmative, and adjourned in harmony. 

Mount Vernon, 11th April, A.D. 1817, A.L. 5817. 
At said communication of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 9, the or- 
ganization of the Lodge was effected, and the By-Laws reported 
and adopted. Bro. Alfred Manning, W. M. ; John P. McArdle, 
S. "VV. p. t. ; Robert Buchanan, J. W. p. t. ; Joseph Brown, Se. p. t. ; 
Jonathan Miller, T. p. t.j Robt. D.Moore, S.D. p.t.; Hosmer Cur- 
tis, J. D. p. t. ; Oilman Bryant, T. p. t. ; John Shaw, John Roberts, 
John Warden and Orange Granger, Visiting Brethren. 

On the 6th day of Jnne the following officers 
were regularly elected, viz: Alfred Manning, W. 
M.; John P. McArdle, S. W.; John Shaw, J. W.; 
Josej)h Brown, S.; Gilman Bryant, T.; Boyal D. 
Simons, S. D.; Eobert Blichanan, J. D.; John Eob- 
erts, S. ; James Miller, T. On the 24th day of June 
they were installed at 9 o'clock A. M., and the an- 
niversary of St. John the Baptist was duly com- 
memorated. A i)rocession was formed, under di- 
rection of Bro. Eobert D. Moore, as Marshal, and, 
after marching to the court-house, a sermon was 
delivered by the Eev. James Smith, and the Lodge 
walked in procession to Mr. Zimmerman's tavern 

and partook of a sumptuous dinner. Those present 
11 



162 HISTORY OF 

and j)ai*ticii)atiug were : Past Masters Eoyal D. 
Simons, Robert D. Moore, Samnel H. Smith, and 
Kiverius Newell ; Master Masons, G. B. Maxfield, 
William Bartlett, Jolm Warden, Eeeve Chapman ; 
and visiting brethren, Hosmer Onrtis, Wm.Gnyan, 

Shipman, Ichabod Nye, Lemuel Potter, A. P. 

Ashley, Samnel Nye ; Fellow Crafts, Andrew 0. 
Johnson and Wm. McCartney. 

The members of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 9, of 
P. and A. Masons, met at Masonic Hall, in Mount 
Yernon, at the hour of 9 o'clock A. M., June 24tli, 
1817, for the purpose of celebrating the anniversary 
of Saint John the Baptist. The Bev. James Smith 
delivered the address. 

Alfred Manning was the Representative to the 
Grand Lodge in 1817. 

This year Henry Brush, of Chillicothe, was 
B.W.G.M., at Grand Lodge July 5th. Philemon 
Beecher, of Lancaster, Deputy. 

Prom the Minutes of the Grand Lodge at Chil- 
licothe we extract the following, relating to one 
who, for many years, resided in our county — a pub- 
lic benefactor, distinguished as well for his masonic 
zeal and faithfulness as for his piety and learning : 

" AuOTst 4th. The Eeverend Philander Chase delivered the 
address to the Grand Lodge. 

" Ordered, that the sum of $50 be paid out of the funds of the 
Grand Lodge to the Rev. Bro. Chase, as a testimony of respect for 
the discourse delivered by him yesterday." — Minutes, August 5t1i, 
1817. 

Since we undertook this work, we have met with 
an aged brother who often sat by the side of Bro. 
Chase in the Lodge room, and gave us several in- 



KE^OX COUKTT. 163 

teresting incidents in the masonic life of the 
Bishop. 

August 1st, 1817, Alexander Elliott and Emanuel 
Hawn were duly initiated E.A. ; on the 5th of 
September they became E. 0. ; and, on the 3d of 
October, Master's degree conferred on the former, 
and Nov. 2d, on the latter. 

Andrew 0. Johnson was the first Master raised 
in this Lodge, September 5th, 1817. 

Andrew Clark and Samuel Pyle received the 
first degree September 5th, 1817 ; the second, Octo- 
ber 3d ; the third, November 2d. 

Samuel Hawn, E. A., Oct. 3d; E. C, Nov. 2d; 
M.M.,Dec. 5th. 

1819, January 12th. — Eee of Bro. Joseph Moody 
to become F.C, paid in chartered jiaper $1, and of 
Bro. Nicholas McCarty, in Owl Oreek paper, $5. 

The Eestival of St. John the Baptist was com- 
memorated, in 1818, by a public procession, ad- 
dress at the court-house, and dinner at Joseph 
Brown's. Eev. Bro. Nathan B. Johnson delivered 
the address. 

The first masonic funeral by this Lodge, after its 
removal to Mount Vernon, was that of Andrew 
M. Roberts, who departed this life April 17tli, aged 
27 years. He was consigned to mother earth April 
iSth. Bro. Thomas Rigdon preached the funeral 
discourse at the court-house from these words — 
" Be ye also ready." 

Bro. Royal D. Simons, W.M, ; Nicholas McOar> 
ty, Secretary. 

Tlie Lodge had the satisfaction of commemo- 
rating St. John the Baptist's anniversary in their 



164 HISTOEY OF 

new hall in the second story of the new brick school 
honse on the hill. 

Royal D. Simons was the Representative to the 
Grand Lodge in 1819, and also in 1820. Among 
the officers of the Grand Lodge elected at the lat- 
ter communication was M. Rev. Philander Chase, 
Grand Chaplain. 

December 27th, 1820, a public installation of offi- 
cers of the Lodge took place in lower room of the 
Lodge building, where a sermon vfas delivered by 
the Rev. Joseph Carper. Alexander Elliott, W.M. 

April 27th, 1821, M.W. John Snow, G.M., vis- 
ited the Lodge. 

The second masonic funeral was that of Bro. N. 
C. Boalse, August 10th, 1821. 

1822. The Eestival of St. John the Baptist com- 
memorated. A procession was formed by John 
Shaw, Marshal, and marched to the court-house, 
where the oration delivered by Brother Cook, at 
Sandusky, in 1819, was read by Bro. Jo. Brown, 
after which the brethren partook of an elegant din- 
ner at Mr. Eli Miller's tavern, and then returned 
to the Lodge room. Among the visiting brethren 
in attendance were — Samuel Wolf, John W. Har- 
ter and James Mumford from Mansfield; Wm. 
Allison and John Allison from Lodge K'o. 123, 
Waynesburg, Pa. ; Wm. Coom'od, John P. Adams, 
Alvin Corbin, Abner Ayres, and others. 

The Representative to the Grand Lodge at Co- 
lumbus, in 1823, was Bro. Royal D. Simons. 

In 1824, H. Curtis and Josej)h Brown were the 
Representatives . 

The anniversary of St. John the Evangelist was 



KXOX COUIfTT. 165 

commemorated by tlie Lodge, December 27th, 1824. 
Bro. Josepli Brown, as Marshal, formed the breth- 
ren in procession, and after marching to the Pres- 
byterian Church, and hearing an address by Rev. 
James Scott, the officers elect were dul}^ installed 
according to ancient usages, and the Lodge and 
brethren present then returned in solemn proces- 
sion to the Lodge room. H. Curtis, W.M. 

The funeral of Bro. John Warden was attended 
by the Lodge, May 25th, 1825; Thomas Eigdon 
acting as Chaplain. The ceremonies were per- 
formed according to ancient usage. 

The E.CY. Bro. Badger, Elder of the Christian 
Churcli, delivered a masonic address in Mount 
Vernon, January 31st, 1826. 

1826. The anniversary of St. John the Baptist 
was duly counnemorated. The Masonic Address 
was delivered by Bro. Ahab Jenks, of Granville. 

August 26th. Bro. Boyal T>. Simons was, by the 
Lodge, buried according to ancient usages. Bro. 
Benj. H. Taylor superintending Marshal; Wm. 
Bevans Marshal for the Fraternity. Elder James 
Smith delivered the funeral discourse. 

1827. Bro. H. Curtis was the Bepresentative to 
the Grrand Lodge. 

1828. June 24th. The brethren in procession, 
under direction of Bros. Day and Tracy, marched 
to the Presb}i^erian Church, where an excellent 
discourse was delivered by Bro. James McMahon ; 
after which a very good dinner was served up at 
the house of Bro. W. E. Davidson. 

1828. H. B. Curtis was the Eepresentative to 
the Grand Lodge. 



166 'history of 

1829. H. Oiu-tis and J. IN^. Burr were Eepresen- 
tatiyes. 

1830, January 26tli. Bro. Jolin Shaw's funeral 
attended by the Praternity. 

1833, January 29th. John Boberts was buried 
by the brethren of this Lodge. He was in his 73d 
year. 

1835, March 30th. Bro. Eiverius Kewell was 
buried by the craft. In the fall of 1837, Moimt 
Zion Lodge nioYcd to the present Lodge room, in 
Bro. Huntsberj^'s block. 

1839, June 24th. This anniversary was duly 
celebrated by the Lodge. The oration by Bro. 
Adam Bandolph, in the court-house, was listened 
to by a very large concourse of Masons and citizens. 
A most excellent dinner, provided by Bro. T. Burr, 
was disposed of in proper manner, and every thing- 
passed off harmoniously. 

1810, February 16th. Bro. Dr. Lyman Wright 
was buried, at Eredericktown, by the members of 
Mount Zion Lodoe. 

1811, June 21th. This anniversary was becom- 
ingly commemorated. Bro. David Spangler, of 
Coshocton, delivered the address, and Bro. T. Burr 
j)repared the dinner. Address delivered in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. The Mt. Yernon 
Choir and Mt. Yernon Band discoursed appropri- 
ate music. 

At 2 o'clock P.M., June 25tli, a procession was 
formed, under direction of Bro. Johnston Elliott, 
to attend the funeral of Bro. John Sherman, who 
was buried according to ancient usages. 

August 27th. Euneral of Bro. T. G. Plummer. 



KKOX COUNTY. 167 

Sej)tember 7tli. The funeral of Bro. Jolm E. 
Davidson. 

18i3, December 13tli. The funeral of Bro. Hill 
E-unyan. 

1844, June 21th. A public celebration of this 
anniversary occurred. Bro. T. G. Drinker, of Cin- 
cinnati, delivered the address. Many brethren 
from [N'ewark, Zanesville, Columbus, West Carlisle, 
Loudenville and Mansfield ^participated in the cer- 
emonies of the day. Isaac Davis was Marshal, and 
John A. Holland, of Wooster, Assistant Marshal. 
An excellent dinner was provided by Bro. Mackey, 
and the day passed off harmoniously. 

On the 27th of December, the anniversary of St. 
John the Evangelist was commemorated by a social 
party in the Hall, whereat the officers elect were 
publicly installed, and an approj)riate address de- 
livered by Bro. C. Delano. 

December 15th, 1816, Bro. James Hayes, of Mil- 
ler township, buried by the Lodge in due form. 

1817, February 8th. An act to incorporate the 
Master, Wardens and Brethren of Mt. Zion Lodge 
1^0. 9, was passed by the Legislature, and accepted. 

1818, August 3d. Masonic funeral of Bro. Cran- 
dal Bosecrans, near Homer. 

1819, February 8th. Masonic funeral of Bro. 
Jonathan Miller. 

June 21th. St. John the Baptist anniversary 
duly commemorated. The address delivered by 
Bro. Rolla H. Chubb. 

1S52, May 7tli, Masonic funeral of Bro. T. Winne. 

" August 2Stli, Masonic funeral of Bro. Marvin Tracy. 
1853, December 11th, Masonic funeral of Bro. Sylvester Pond. 



168 HISTORY OF 

1854, September 1st, Masonic funeral of Bro. Jacob B. Brown, 
] 855, October 1st, Masonic funeral of Bro. John A. Holland, of 
Rockford, 111. 

1856, December 7th, Masonic funeral of Bro. William Bevans. 

1857, March 13th, Masonic funeral of Bro. John Butler, of Rosco 

Lodge, No. 190. 

1857, December 16th, Masonic funeral of Bro. William Cope- 

land. 

1858, April 29th, Masonic funeral of Bro. J. Phifer, 

1859, May 12th, Masonic funeral of Bro. George White. 

1861, September 22d, Masonic funeral of Bro. Lorin Andrews. 

1862, January 20th, Masonic funeral of Bro. W. E,. Greer. 

" April 6th, Masonic funeral of Bro. James Huntsbery. 
" " 30th, Masonic funeral of Bro. Robert Lurkins. 

Tiie following brothers have been in attendance 
on the Grand Lodge : 

1830, J. N. Burr, James Huntsbery, Jonas Ward. 

1831, Jonas Ward. 

1832, P. Sprague, W. Bevans, L. Lake. 

1833, J. Ward. 

1836, W. Bevans, Alexander Elliott. 

1839, W. Bevans, A. Randolph, at Lancaster. 

1840, B. F. Smith. 

1841, J. N. Burr, B. F. Smith, James Huntsbery. 

1842, B. F. Smith, T. Winne. 

1843, " J, N. Burr, Isaac Davis. 

1844, " M. Tracy. 

1845, " J. N. Burr, J. B. Brown. 

1846, " . " M. Tracy. 

1847, J. B. Brown, S. P. Axtell, M. Tracy. 
1848, 

■1849, " G. W. Williams. 

1850, " J. N. Burr, W. Dunbar. 

1851, " " G.W.True. 
1852, 

1853, " G. W. True, James Smith, Jr. 

1854, G. W. True, G. W. Stahl, B. F. Smith. 

1855, " " F. B'. Plimpton. 



KlfOX COUNTY. 169 

1856, Dennis Smith, G. W. Stalil, S. P. Axtell. 

1857, G. W. True, J. N. Burr, S. P. Axtell. 

1858, J. N. Burr, J. C. Devin, 

1859, John Adams, S. P- Axtell, J. B. Beardslee, Dr. J. N. 
Burr, D. G. M. 

1860, C. S. Pyle, S. P. Axtell, J. B. Beardslee. 
1861, 

Present Officers.— Q. S. Pyle, W. M.; W. B. Brown, S. W.; J. 
B. Beardslee, J. "W.; James Huntsbery, Treasurer; S. P. Warden, 
Secretary; H. W. Owen, S.D.; L.B. Curtis, J. D.; J.R.Wallace, 
Tyler. 

Standing Covimittee, 1862.— J. N. Burr, S. P. Axtell, N. E. 
Lewis. 

Relief Committee. — L. B. Curtis, Thomas Harvey, John Ring- 
wait. 



Among the members of tliis Lodge of long stand- 
ing we may mention tlie venerable William 
Beardslee, who was made a Master Mason at Ste- 
phentown, N. Y., in 1804, who in 1817 represented 
Center Star Lodge, Ko. 11, in the Grand Lodge of 
Ohio, at Chillicothe, and whose three sons — Job H. 
(t., Wm. B., and John B. — are also of the craft. 

Adam Pyle, our much-respected townsman, was 
made a Master in 1821 ; and Dr. Jonathan K. Burr 
is the oldest Past Master in this part of the country. 
In 1825 he was raised in this Lodge, in 1829 be- 
came its W. M., and since then has served in that 
position longer than perhaps any Master in the 
State. For his zeal and fidelity he was presented 
by the brethren of Mt. Zion Lodge with a beautiful 
Past Master's Jewel in 1852 ; and the Sir Knights 
for like cause in 1859 presented him with a Tem- 
plar's sword. Long may this bright light be per- 
mitted to illustrate the virtues of Masonry. 



170 HISTORY OP 

Thrall Lodge ISTo. 170, Eredericktown, was char- 
tered October 18th, 1819. 

First Officers.— Gh^ncj Hill, W.M.; T. V. Parke, S.W.; A. 
Keller, J.W. ; J. Wages, Treasurer ; 0. W. Rigby, Sec'y ; D. C. 
Beach, S.D. ; D. P. Coffinbury, J.D. ; N. S. Reed, Tyler. 

^N^umber of members, 32. 

Ohio Lodge No. 199, Bladensburg ; Chartered 
October 28th, 1851. 

Eli Farnum, W.M. ; A. C. Scott, S.W.; G. M. Plill, J.W.; E. 
Bebout, Treasurer ; J, H. Miller, Sec'y ; G. Upfold, S.D. ; J. K 
Hurry, J.D. ; Johnson Hill, Tyler. 

]N'nmber of members, 26. 

Antioch Lodge No. 286, located in Danville, was 
chartered Oct. 26th, 1856. 

First Officers Under CAorto-.— John White, W. M. ; Wait Whit- 
ney, S. W.; U. B. Kinsie, J. W.; S. W. Sapp, Secretary; M. Hil- 

dreth. Treasurer; Z. Hibbetts, S. D.; -, J. D.; A. S. 

Church, Tyler. 

Chartered Me?nbers. — John White, Wait Whitney, U. B. Kinsie, 
Samuel Kinsie, Isaiah Hieth, S. W. Conner, Z. Hibbetts, John 
Biggs, Daniel Hess, B. S. Church, A. S. Church, Miner Hildreth, 
S. W. Sapp, B. Casteel, 0. W. Page. 

First hiitiation in Lodge. — Henry Hibbetts. 

Present Officers.— M. Hildreth, W. M.; S. W. Sapp, S. W.; A. 
S. Church, J. W.; Calvin Simmons, Secretary; Alonzo Gardner, 
Treasurer; John C. Gaines, S. D.; Henry Hibbetts, J. D.; Mark 
Greer, Tyler. 

Present number of members, 15. 

Clinton Royal Arch Chapter No. 26, was created 
the 16tli day of May, 1812, under a dispensation 
from the Most Excellent Comp. O. D. Hines, 
Dept. O. H. P. of the Grand Chapter of the State 
of Ohio. 



KNOX COUNTY. 171 

First Officers.— J. N. Burr, E. H. P.; B. F. Smith, Kiug; James 

Huntsbery, Scribe; , Secretary; C. Delano, P. S.; B.H. 

Taylor, C. of H.; S. W. Burr, R. A. C; A. Corbin, A. C Rowland, 
J. Garrison, Masters of tlie Vails; Joseph Muenscher, Chaplain. 

On the 20tli of May, the above officers were duly 
installed by M. E. G. D. Hines, Dept. G. H. P. 

Officers in 1862.— S, P. Axtell, E. H. P.; J. N. Burr, King; 
W.k. Mefford, Scribe; Dennis Smith, C. of H.; J. B. Beardslee, 
P. S.; W. B. Brown, R. A. C; 0. M. Arnold, G. M. 3d Vail; C. 
S. Pyle, G. M. 2d Vail; R. D. Huntsbery, G. M. 1st Vail; James 
Huntsbery, Treasurer; S. P. Warden, Secretary; J. R. Wallace, G. 

Standing Committee, 1SG2. — J. N. Burr, 0. M. Arnold, J. B. 
Beardslee. 

Clinton Encampment No. 5, of Kniglits Tem- 
plars and Appendant Orders, was instituted at 
Mount Yernon on the 12th of October, 1843, by 
virtue of authority and a letter of dispensation 
granted for that purpose by William James Reese, 
General Grand Generalissimo of the General Grand 
Encampment of the United States of America. 
The grant was to B. E. Smith, Joseph Muenscher, 
Isaac Davis, J. M. Smith, and A. D. Bigelow. 

First Officers of the Encampment. — Sir Joseph Muenscher, G. 
Com.; Sir B. F. Smith, Gen.; Sir A. D. Bigelow, Capt. Gen.; Sir 
J. N. Burr, Prelate; Sir C. Delano, S. W.; Sir Isaac Davis, J. W.; 
Sir James Huntsbery, Treasurer; Sir T. Winne, Recorder; Sir 
Adam Randolph, Standard-bearer; Sir Joseph Hildreth, Sword- 
bearer; Sir E. W. Cotton, Warden; Sir D. D. Stevison, Sentinel. 

Present Officers. — Sir J. N. Burr, G. Com.; Sir Dennis Smith, 
Gen.; Sir J. B. Beardslee, Capt. Gen.; Sir Adam Randolph, Pre- 
late; Sir William Mitchell, S. W.; Sir S. P. Axtell, J. W.; Sir 
James Himtsbery, T.; Sir S. P. Warden, R.; Sir Wm. Sanderson, 
Jr., Standard-bearer; Sir W. M. Mefford, Sword-bearer; Sir E. W. 
Cotton, Warden; Sir J. R. Wallace, Sentinel. 

^N^umber of Sir Kniglits, 31. 



172 HISTORY OF 







OHAPTEK XV. 

THE OWL CREEK BANK OF MOUNT VERNON. 

Its public and private history. — Let it be relieyed from odium! 

The history of Kiiox county would be incom- 
plete without a faithful and true account of an 
institution with the above euphonious name, lo- 
cated upon the banks of Owl Creek, and within 
the sacred precincts of Mount Yernon. The en- 
graving above gives a view of one of "the owls" 
issued by this bank. They were of every denomi- 
nation from the shinplaster form of 6J cents up 
to $10. The paper, engra^ang and finish of the 
notes, although not so perfect in every resj)ect as 
those issued by banks in the present day, never- 
theless is of a higher order than those put forth by 
the so-called "Confederate States of America," of 
which Cotton is king, and Jeff. Davis vicegerent. 
[From the journals and old files of that day, as far 
as accessible, we have compiled the following. 

There being great complaint of the scarcity of 



KlifOX COUIifTY, 173 

money after tlie war, large numbers of people in 
various cities and towns in the United States, and 
more particularly in the West and Ohio, conceived 
the idea of multiplying the quantity of paper in 
lieu of money by manufacturing what is called a 
"currency." Among other points, those of Mount 
Vernon determined to engage in the business of 
making money. As early as December, 1814, a 
meeting was held, and articles of association for 
the organizing of a bank, to be called the "Owl 
Creek Bank of Mount Vernon," were entered into, 
fixing the capital stock at f 150,000, divided into 
shares of $50 each, j)ayable in installments of not 
exceeding $5 each, and appointing certain commis- 
sioners to open stock books, &c. Petitions were 
then presented to the Legislature, praying for a 
charter; and after having petitioned the Legisla- 
ture for an act authorizing such an association, and 
been denied the grant, determined to "go it alone," 
on their own hook. 

On the 10th day of April, 1816, the first meeting 
of record of those who inaugurated the Owl Creek 
Bank was held at the court-house in Mount Ver- 
non, and as this is the most important of all events 
in the early history of Knox county, we give the 
proceedings entire of this the first meeting, and 
also of the first meeting of the Board of Managers 
on the 17th inst. 

"Agreeable to previous notice, tliere was a meeting at the court- 
house on April 10th. Jonathan Miller was called to the chair, and 
Joseph Brown appointed Secretary. The following independent 
sentiments were set forth : 

"Resolved, That we have by the Constitution of this State guar- 



174 HISTOEY OF 

antied to the people of this State a full and fair right and privilege 
to have charters granted when we shall petition the legislative 
body of this State for that purpose. We, the undersigned, having 
complied with the requisitions of the Constitution, and will con- 
tinue so to do, without waiving our rights and privileges. 

" Therefore he it resolved, That we do form ourselves into a com- 
pany for the purpose of establishing a bank in the town of Mount 
Vernon, Knox county (Ohio). 

"2. Resolved, That the following named gentlemen be appointed 
managers of said bank, and to draft articles of association and by- 
laws for the future government of the company, viz.: James Smith, 
Wm. Mitchell, M. Merritt, Abraham Darling, Hosmer Curtis, John 
Warden, Oilman Bryant, Jonathan Miller, L S. Silliraan, Benja- 
min Martin, Joseph Brown, John Green and Jacob Young. 

"From this number a committee was appointed to draft the arti- 
cles, who met at the house of Joseph Brown on the 17th April, and 
adopted the following: 

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF OWL CREEK 
BANK OF MOUNT VERNON. 

" Be it known, That we, the subscribers, having foi-med a com- 
pany and limited partnership, do hereby agree and associate with 
each other, to conduct banking business in the manner hereinafter 
specified, under the name and title of the Owl Creek Bank of 
Mount Vernon. 

" And we do hereby covenant and mutually agree, that the fol- 
lowing are and shall be the fundamental articles of this our asso- 
ciation, by which all persons who are parties hereto, or may in 
future transact business with this association, shall be bound and 
concluded : — 

" Article 1. The capital stock of the company shall be two 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, current money of the United 
States, with the privilege of extending it to five hundred thousand 
dollars, and of commencing business so soon as twenty-five thousand 
dollars is subscribed — to be divided into shares of fifty dollars 
each. 

"Art. 2. The books for the subscription of said stock, shall be 
opened on the first Monday in March next, at such places and 
under such agents as the commissioners may think proper, at the 
hour of ten o'clock in the morning, and continue until three o'clock 



KNOX COUJS^TY. 175 

in the evening of tlie same day, and from day to day during said 
Lours, until the whole number of shares are subscribed for. The 
books thus to be opened, are to be under the direction of the fol- 
lowing named commissioners, viz : Jonathan Miller, James Smith, 
Oilman Bryant, John Warden, Benjamin Martin, H. Curtis, W. 
Mitchell, M. Merritt, A. Darling, Jacob Young, John Green, L. S. 
Silliman and Joseph Brown, At the time of subscribing, there 
shall be paid to the commissioners or their agents, on each share 
subscribed for, the sum of one dollar ; the further sum of two dol- 
lars and fifty cents shall be paid on each share, within ninety days 
thereafter, at such place as the commissioners shall appoint, of 
which due notice shall be given ; the residue in such portions and 
at such places as the directors hereafter to be chosen shall appoint ; 
they giving at least sixty days notice thereof in the public news- 
paper of the county : Provided, such installments shall at no time 
exceed two dollars and fifty cents ; neither shall any subsequent 
installment be called for until a previous one has become payable. 

" Art. 3. No person or persons, body politic or corporate, shall 
be permitted on the first day to take more than one hundred shares, 
and if the shares are not all taken on that day, the foregoing part 
of this article is not to operate. 

" Art. 4. If it shall so happen, that more than the stipulated 
number of shares may be subscribed for, the commissioners shall 
apportion them by deducting from the highest subscription j and if 
more persons subscribe than there are shares, the commissioners 
shall determine by lot to whom such shares belong ; and as soon 
as may be thereafter, receipts shall be issued to the stockholders, 
and certificates of the amount of stock held by each. 

" Art, 5. If any stockholder shall fail to pay his, her, or their 
installment, to the amount of three dollars on each share at the time 
or times, or in the manner heretofore specified, such stockholder 
shall forfeit to the use of the company all monies paid antecedent 
to such failure or default; however no forfeiture of stock shall take 
place, after three dollars on each share shall have been paid. But 
to secure the regular payment of any installment or call, after five 
dollars on each share hath been paid, such stockholder shall not be 
entitled to a dividend until such installment or call shall be fully 
paid; and the dividend thereafter to be paid to such stockholder 
(as well upon the money regularly paid as upon the money paid 



176 HISTORY OP 

after default) shall be calculated only from the time when said 
installment shall be fully paid. 

" Art. 6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by 
thirteen directors, and a president, v/hose place, if chosen from 
among the number of directors, shall be supplied by the choice of 
that body, the whole of which is to reside within the county of 
Knox; and five directors, together with the president, shall form a 
board or quorum for the transacting of all business of the company. 
Each director shall be a stockholder at the time of his election, 
and shall cease to be a director if he should cease to be a stock- 
holder; and the number of votes to which each stockholder shall 
be entitled, shall be in proportion to the stock he may hold, as 
follows, viz : For the first five shares, one vote ; for ten shares, 
two votes ; and for each additional ten shares, one vote ; and no 
stockholder shall be entitled to vote, who has not held his stock 
six calender months next preceding the election, except as to the 
first election — all stockholders, residing within five miles of Mount 
Vernon, shall vote by ballot in person, and those who reside a 
greater distance from Mount Vernon than five miles may vote by 
proxy, which at all elections is to be made in such form as may be 
directed by the board. 

" Art. 7. The first election for directors shall be on the fourth 
Monday in May next, under the superintendence of the commis- 
sioners, four of whom shall form a quorum. The directors so elected 
shall take their seats at the board the day following their election, 
and they, or a majority of those present, shall proceed immediately 
to the choice of a president, all of whom shall continue in office for 
one year, and until their successors shall be regularly elected and 
qualified. All future elections for directors shall be held annually 
on the fourth Monday in May, under the superintendence of three 
persons, being stockholders, to be appointed by the president and 
directors for the time being, of which at least four weeks notice of 
the time and place shall be given by advertisement in the public 
papers in Knox county. The bank shall be established as near 
the court-house, in Mount Vernon, as may be thought most conven- 
ient by the board of directors, 

" Art. 8. As to vacancies. 

" Art. 9. The president, directors, and superintendents of elec- 
tions, before they enter upon the duties of their respective offices, 
shall take the following oath or affirmation, as the case may be : 



KNOX COUKTY. 177 

I do solemnly swear (or afHrm) tliat I will impartially, 

faithfully, diligently and honestly execute the duties of a 
of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, conformably to the con- 
stitution and articles of association of the same, and the trust 
reposed in me, to the best of my skill and judgment. And the 
cashier, the tellers, book-keepers and other officers, shall also take 
a similar oath or affirmation, and shall besides give bond with 
security to the satisfaction of the president and directors for a 
faithful discharge of the duties in their respective stations, 

" Art. 10. The board of directors are hereby fully empowered 
to make, revise, alter or annul, such rules, orders, bye-laws and 
regulations for the government of the company, and that of their 
officers and others whom they may think proper to employ, as they 
or a majority of them shall, from time to time, think expedient, 
not inconsistent with law or these articles of association, and to 
use, employ and dispose of the joint funds or property of said com- 
pany (subject only to the restrictions hereinafter mentioned) as to 
them or a majority of them may seem expedient. 

*' Art. 11. As to signatures to bills, &c. 

"Art. 12. As to books. 

" Art. 13. The board of directors shall have power to appoint 
a cashier and such other persons as they may think proper to 
employ for executing the business of the company, and to establish 
the compensation to be paid to the president, cashier, and others 
respectively ; all which, together with all other necessary expen- 
ses, shall be paid out of the joint funds of the company. 

"Art. 14. Two-thirds of the directors shall have power to call 
a general meeting of the stockholders, for purposes relative to the 
concerns of the company, giving at least two months notice in the 
public newspapers of the county, and specifying in such notice the 
object or objects of such meeting. 

" Art. 15. The shares of the capital stock at any time, owned 
by any individual stockholder, may be transferred on the books of 
the company, according to such rules as (according to law) may be 
established in that behalf by the board of directors ; but all sums 
for which the stockholder is liable, as drawer, must be satisfied 
before such transfer can be made. 

" Art. 16. No transfer of stock in this company shall be con- 
sidered as binding on this company, unless made in a book or 
12 



178 HISTORY OF 

books to be kept for that purpose by this company. And it is 
hereby further express'y understood that any stockholder who 
shall transfer in manner aforesaid all his stock or shares in this 
company, to any person or persons whatever, shall cease to be a 
member of this company, and that any person or persons whatever 
who shall accept a transfer of any stock or share in this company, 
shall become a member of this company according to these articles 
of association. 

"Art. 17. It is hereby expressly and explicitly declared, to 
be the object and intentions of the persons who associate under the 
title and firm of the president and directors of the Owl Creek Bank 
of Mount Vernon, that the joint stock or property of the said com, 
pany (exclusive of the dividends to be made in the manner herein- 
after mentioned) shall alone be responsible for the debts and 
engagements of said company, or to whom they shall or may become 
indebted by such engagements, and no person or persons to whom 
this company may in any wise become indebted, shall on any pre- 
tence whatever have recourse against the separate property of any 
present or future member of this company, or against their persons ^ 
further than may be necessary to secure the faithful application of 
the funds thereof to the purposes to which by these presents they 
are liable. But all persons accepting any bond, bill, or note, or 
other contract of this company, signed by the president and coun- 
tersigned or attested by the cashier of the company for the time 
being, or dealing with it in any other manner whatever, thereby 
give credit to the said joint stock or property of said company, and 
disavow having recourse, on any pretence whatever, to the person 
or separate property of any present or future member of this com- 
pany, except as above mentioned. And all suits to be brought 
against the president for the time being, and in case of his death or 
removal from office, pending any such suit against him, measures 
shall be taken at the expense of the company for substitutiug his 
successor in office as defendant, so that persons having any demands 
upon the company may not be prejudiced or delayed by that event ; 
or if the person suing shall proceed against the person first named 
as defendant (notwithstanding his death or removal from office) 
this company shall not on that account, take advantage of such 
proceedings by writ of error or otherwise ; and all recoveries had 
in manner aforesaid shall be conclusive upon the company, so far 
as to make the funds or joint stock of this company liable for such 



KKOX COUKTT 179 

amount, and no further ; and the company shall immediately pay 
the amount of such recovery out of the joint stock, but not other- 
wise ; and in case of any suit in law, the president shall sign his 
appearance upon the writ, or file common bail thereto, it beino- 
expressly understood and declared that all persons dealing with 
said company agree to these terms and are to be bound thereby. 

" Art. 18. Dividends of the profits of the company, or so 
much of said profits as shall be deemed expedient and projjer, shall 
be declared half yarly in every year, and shall from time to time 
be determined by a majority of the directors present, at a meeting 
to be held for that purpose, and shall in no case exceed the amount 
of the net profits actually acquired by the company, so that the 
capital stock of the company shall never be impaired by dividends- 
but the directors shall be at liberty to retain at least one per 
centum upon the capital, as a fund for futin-e contingencies. 

" Art. 19. If the directors shall, at any time, willfully and 
knowingly make or declare any dividend which shall impair the 
capital stock, all the directors present at the making or declaring 
such dividends, and consenting thereto, shall be liable in their 
individual capacities to the company, for the amount or proportion 
of said capital stock so divided by said directors ; and each director 
who may be present at the making or declaring such dividends, 
shall be deemed to have consented thereto, unless he does immedi- 
ately enter in writing his dissent on the minutes of the proceedino-s 
of the board, and give public notice to the stockholders that such 
dividend has been made. 

" Art. 20. These articles of association and agreement shall 
be published three times in the public newspapers of the county, 
at least two months before the books are opened ; and for further 
information, to all persons who may transact business with, or in 
any manner give credit to this company, every bond, bill, note, or 
other instrument or contract, by the effects or terras of which the 
company may be charged or held liable for the payment of money, 
shall specially declare in such form as the board of directors shall 
prescribe; that payment shall be made out of the joint funds of 
the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, according to the present 
articles of association, and not otherwise ; and it is hereby ex- 
pressly declared, that no engagements can be legally made in the 
name of said company, unless it contain a limitation or restriction 
to the effect above recited. 



180 HISTORY OF 

"Art. 21. The company shall in no case be owners of any 
real property, except a site for banking business, or directly or 
indirectly be concerned in trade, or the purchase or sale of any 
goods, wares or merchandise whatever (bills of exchange and bullion 
excepted), except such lands, goods, wares, or merchandise as may 
be truly pledged to them by way of security, or conveyed to them 
for debts due, owing or growing due to the said company, or pur- 
chased by them to secure such debts so due to said company. 

" Art. 22. This association shall continue until the fourth 
Monday in May, one thousand eight hundred and thirty ; but any 
number of stockholders, not less than fifty, Avho together shall be 
proprietors of not less than five hundred shares, may, for any pur- 
pose relative to the institution, at any time apply to the president 
and directors to call a general meeting of the stockholders, and if 
by them refused, the same number of stockholders, proprietors of 
not less than that number of shares, may and shall have power to 
call a general meeting of the stockholders, giving at least two 
months' notice in the public papers in Knox county, specifying in 
such notice the object or objects of such call. 

" Art. 23. Immediately on the dissolution of this association, 
eflectual measures shall be taken by the directors then existing, 
for closing all the concerns of the company, and for dividing the 
capital and profits which may remain among the stockholders, in 
proportion to their respective shares. 

'' In witness whereof, we the undersigned have hereunto set our 

names or firms, this day , one thousand eight hundred 

and ." 

Sliortly after the opening of subscription lists, 
the following notice was published : 

"NOTICE. 

-" It is requested that all persons holding books for the sale of 
shares in the Owl Creek Bank of Mt. Vernon, will be pleased to 
receive the installments due thereon, and forward the same by the 
20th day of tKe present month. 

B. MARTIN, ) -p, , 

JOS. BROWN, J. ri • • 
JAMES SMITH, ) Commissioners. 

"Mount Vernon, July 3d, 1816." 



KKOX COUIS^TY. 181 

The preliminaries liaying been arranged, the bills 
are ready to circulate, and the officers publish tlie 
following in the Registei-, page 175, which explains 
the modus operandi: 

" Mount Verxox, Sept. — , 181 — . 
" Sixty days after date, for value received, we promise to pay 

James Smith, at the house of L. S. SiUiman, the sum of ■ 

without defalcation. 

" Credit the Draiver. 

" A. M. I -c. J 

., p -p. > Endorsers. 

" J. P., Draiver^ 



[L. S.] 



"The State of Ohio, 

County, ss. 

Before me (A. B.), a Justice of the Peace for the county of- 



aforesaid, came C. D., who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, 
that, whereas, he has thrown a note into the Owl Creek Bank of 
Moujit Vernon for discount ; saith, that, if discounted, he will take 
no advantage of any statute law of this State ; and farther this 
deponents saith not. 

''Signed, C. D. 

" Sworn and subscribed before me the day of , ISl — 

" A. B., J. P." 



" The above form of a note you will please to insert in your 
paper, which note must be executed with two good endorsers, with- 
out a blot or interlineation. The endorsers' names must appear 
written on the back of the note as well as at the foot. The form 
of an affidavit is given, which must be made by the drawer, and 
accompany the note. Bij order of the Board of Directors. 

" JAMES SMITH, President. 
" L. S. SiLLIMAX, Cashier. 
" September 13th, 1816." 



182 HISTORY OF 

On tlie 20tli November, 1816, L. S. Silliman, 
Cashier, notifies the stockholders of the Oivl Creek 
Bmik of Mount Yernon that an instalhnent of $2 
on each share is requested to be paid within sixty 
days. 

March 6th, 1817, a dividend of six j)er cent., on 
account of stock actually in Bank, was declared. 

At a meeting of the Directors of the Bank, the 
following resolutions were unanimously adopted, 
viz : 

" Wfiereas, Unfavorable constructions have been put on the 
twentieth section of the Articles of Association; Therefore, 

"5e it Resolved, That no Director, or any other person, shall 
have a right to draw any money out of said Bank, without giving 
their notes with sufficient endorsers. 

"Resolved, secondly, That a preference shall at all times be given 
to the Stockholders, in the accommodation of loans, to double the 
amount of all money by them actually paid in. 

" B. MARTIN, Chairman. 

" G. Bryant, Secretai-y. 

"June 3d, 1816." 

July 9th, 1817. — All persons indebted are noti- 
fied that they must pay " at the rate of from 10 to 
50 per cent., in proportion to the amount of their 
loans." 

As showing the feeling existing in regard to such 
Banks in the winter of 1816-17, when the Owl 
Creek Bank was applying for a Charter, we give 
this anecdote : Two persons of color, at Colum- 
bus, quareled ; one, wishing to make his antagonist 
as contemptible as possible, called him " a d — d 
u:5fCHARTERED SOU of (i 1) — 7^." And it became 
very fashionable at the Capital to apply the term 
unchartered to all evil doers. 



KIS^OX COUNTY. 183 

In these times of evil talk, and while the public 
were busy crying down this institution, there were 
occasionally to be found parties willing to " give 
the devil his due." The following extract from the 
Zanesville Express of December 16th, is an in- 
stance in point : 

" Notwithstanding so much has been said against the Owl Creek 
Bank of Mount Vernon, we are assured that two gentlemen, a few 
days since, presented bills at that bank for a large amount, which 
were redeemed with chartered paper and specie." 

About this time an enemy of the Bank killed a 
tremendous big Owl, and brought it into the to^vn 
and rudely threw it down upon the counter, ex- 
claiming, " There, d — n you, I've killed your Pres- 
ident." 

The Bank building was located where Adam 
Weaver's hardware store now is. It was a rough, 
yet substantial piece of workmanship, a mixture of 
the Doric and Corinthian styles of architecture, 
weather-boarded, with four-penny nails thickly 
driven through its batten-door and window-shut- 
ters, so thieves should not cut in and steal. On 
the ground it covered about fourteen feet square, 
and was one low story in height, and painted 
red ! 

The bills rapidly depreciated under the heavy 
blows given. There seemed to be no stopping the 
clamor against the Bank. 

The principal circulation in Knox county was 
Owl Creek, and we find very many advertising for 
it. Of the merchants advertising for it were James 
Miller, and Burr, Green & Co. 



184 HISTORY OF 

" William Stanbeiy offers to sell ' The Craig Farm,' at present 
occupied by Major Joseph Brown, to the highest bidder for Owl 
Creek Bank paper. 

" J, Brown oflfers to sell 156 acres of land near the tOAvn of Mt. 
Vernon, in the Hamtramick section, for such paper. 

" Owls. — All persons indebted to the subscriber, are requested 
to make prompt payment, for I am in want of Owl Creek paper. 

John Shaav. 

" N. B. Those indebted for taxes, for 1817, are also requested to 
pay with the same." 

The paper wlien presented was at first redeemed 
by the Bank with chartered paper, and the stock- 
hoklers and i)arties interested endeavored to sustain 
its credit by various defaces. Among other plans 
adopted to keep nj) the paper was the following, 
which we give as showing the disposition of stock- 
holders to pay, and the strenuous efforts resorted 
to : 

" OWLS. 

" Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, ) 
January 1st, 1818. / 

" Whereas, several reports have been circulated, some of which 
are false, and injurious to the credit of the Bank, with respect to 
certain measures adopted by the Directors : Therefore, for the 
purpose of suppressing the further propagating of such false rumors, 
the Directors have thought proper to exhibit to the public, and to 
the stockholders, a fair and accurate statement of the measures 
actually determined on by them, and which has been the subject 
of such reports. The Directors have observed with regret the de- 
preciation of the Owl Creek paper of late, and particularly in Knox 
county ; they have been fully convinced that the principal cause 
of the sudden fall of the Owl Creek paper is owing to the circum- 
stance of the difficulty, or almost the impossibility of obtaining 
such goods as are wanted by the citizens with this kind of paper. 

" With a view, therefore, to obviate these difficulties, and at the 
same time to draw out of circulation the paper of the Bank, we 
have entered into the following contract with Burr, Green & Co., 



KNOX COUli^TY. 185 

viz. : Said Company, on their part, liave undertaken to bring on 
a complete assortment of goods, and to retail the same for Owl 
Creek paper, at prices as low as they can be purchased for in char- 
tered paper, and to take assignments on judgments in favor of the 
Bank, or wait until the Bank can with convenience exchange ; and 
for all paper thus collected, the only privilege granted to said 
Oompauy is a loan of $700 of such money as will pay carriages, 
to he made use of for that purpose, and to be paid back in good 
chartered paper, in installments, within one year. Given under 
©m* hands. 

*' James Smith, William Mitchell, Jonathan Miller, Benjamin 
Martin, John Warden, John Hawn, Jr., John Shaw, Oilman 
Bryant, Hosraer Curtis, Wm. Y. Farquhar." 



"PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, 

That a meeting of the stockholders of the Owl Creek Bank op 
Mount Vernon, will be held at the Banking House in Mount 
Vernon, on the 12th day of March, 1818, for the purpose of taking 
into consideration the propriety of closing the business of said 
Company, and to transact any other business relative to said Com- 
pany which may be thought proper when met. Dated at Mount 
Vernon, this 6th day of January, 1818. 

"Nathaniel Johnson, Jonathan Miller, Godleib Zimmerman, 
Benjamin Rush, I. N. Eichardson, John Shaw, John Hawn, 
Jr., William Douglass, Samuel Mott, John Wilson, J. M. 
Banning, James McGibeny, James McGibeny for Joseph S. 
Newell, James Miller, Joseph Brown, L. S. Silliman. 
" N. B. All the stockholders are particularly solicited to attend 
on said day." 

The course of true love never did run smooth. 
In the career of banks as well as of nations and 
iiidiyiduals, there are " ups and doAYUs," drawbacks 
and obstacles to prosperity ; and parallels in history 
are always to be met with. Jackson throttled the 
United States Bank ; Sam Williams seizes the 
gullet of the Owl Creek Bank : Jackson denounces 



186 HISTORY OF 

Nicholas Biddle ; Williams attempts to i)lay the 
tyrant over James Smith : Jackson removes the 
deposits ; and Sam Williams refuses to deposit. 

The banking question gets into the papers, and 
the public mind becomes much distracted thereat. 
Several communications apj)ear in August and 
September of 1816 in regard to the Owl Creek 
Bank. The office of Bank President was no sine- 
cure in those days, at least of the Owl Creek Bank, 
for we find that the chief owl was compelled at all 
times to defend his institution from the stump and 
the press. The Lancaster, Zanesville, Mt. Yernon 
and other papers of those days, contain many arti- 
cles from the pen of James Smith in reply to 
attacks of Dr. Moore B. Bradlev, Sam'l Williams 
and others. Some of the papers show much acerb- 
ity and bitterness of feeling ; but, from our stand- 
point of observation, we must say that our old 
friend James Smith beat them all. 

In a communication of August 6th, 1817, reply- 
ing to an article in the Ohio Spectator, in regard to 
a meeting of the formers, mechanics, merchants, 
and innkeepers of the town of Mansfield, county 
of Bichland, and State of Ohio, on the 11th of 
July, 1817, James Smith pointedly says : 

** If, sirs, your_ sympathy has been awakened for unfortunate 
persons who have received the paper, I hope you will shortly be 
prepared to discharge your engagements with the Owl Creek Bank 
of Mohnt Vernon. It would be an insult upon your good sense for 
me to tell you, that for you to refuse the paper of this bank, while 
you are in debt to the bank, is a full sacrifice of every spark of 
honor. If you, sirs, and such characters as yourselves, would pay 
your engagements, or one half thereof, the Owl Creek Bank of 
Mount Vernon would be completely prepared to pay and give sat- 



KNOX COUNTY. 187 

isfactoiy exchanges for their notes in circulation. Your honors, 
sirs, we look after no longer, but your purses and property will 
have to be tried. Tavern bills and pills* ought to be paid for in 
this paper as well as in the Mansfield. 

****** J ■^yould advise you to be industrious in col- 
lecting the paper, as you know you soon, or at the next court, will 
have judgment against you. The Owl Creek paper will answer 
you as well as specie. *****! censure no person, not 
in debt to the bank, for rejecting the paper ; both the principle of 
moral justice and honor enjoins on every person indebted, to re- 
ceive it. The sooner, sirs, you procure this paper, it will be the 
better for you. This bank will shortly be prepared to make gen- 
eral and satisfactory exchanges. James Smith. 

" P. S. The editors of the Ohio Register and the Oldo Spectator 
will confer a favor on Messrs. Bradley and Williams, as well as 
myself, by giving the above a place in their respective papers. 

"J. S." 

Samuel Williams replies in tlie Ohio Bcglstcr of 
August 20, in a very long article addressed to James 
Smith, President of the Owl Creek Bank, &c., in 
which he evidently lets his temper get the better of 
his judgment by such expressions as these : 

"You, sir, are President of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Ver- 
non, you are Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, a Justice of the 
Peace, and, sometimes, preach the Gospel of Jesus, as I am in- 
formed — in politics a professed republican ; all of these callings 
you profess to fill with fidelity, nay, in some you have sworn to 
discharge their incumbent duties according to the best of your 
abilities. * * * You have prostituted the official 
duties and obligations as a Justice of the Peace to subserve its 
interest by administering unconstitutional oaths. Were you not 
sworn to support the constitution of this State and of the U. States 
in the oath of office ? Yet swearing individuals not to take advan- 
tage of the statute law to prevent the collection of your illegal 
demands. * * * You loaned us your bills in order 



■■• Bradlej was a doctor — Williams a tavern-keeper. 



188 HISTORY OF 

to destroy those rights you profess to admire, the rights of man- 
aging our pecuniary concerns. That when we assert ovu* indepen- 
dence, like freemen, you threaten us with destruction and tell us 
we are in your net, and at your mercy, the mercy of your religion, 
your integrity, your republicanism — your official virtue, the potent 
demand of one great Owl debt." 

To this coinmnnication of great length — ^the bank 
President replies with yigor — we have space to ex- 
tract but a paragraph which may be called a clincher: 

* * * "I think it unnecessary to answer your charges 
against me, when you charge my official, political and religious 
principles; all you say about it only exposes yourself. Had you 
kept silent the public had not known your baseness. Truly, 
Samuel, you was one of the persons that took a solemn oath to 
take no advantage of any statute law to prevent or stop the pay- 
ments of your bank engagements. You brag of your full purse; 
you are then without excuse if you imagine yoii took an nnconsti- 
tutional oath. Will you violate that oath to atone for the crime? 
You ought to be ashamed to let any person impose on you so far 
as to publish your black crimes with an idea of injuring me. If 
your purse is so full and heavy pay up your bank engagements. 
Strangers, citizens, and your neighbors too, will have much more 
confidence in you. Five hundred dollars of the trash you men- 
tioned will be received of you in place of gold and silver." 

On the 28tli February, 1822, a paper was drawn 
up and signed by certain of the subscribers, bind- 
ing themselves to give their notes, with security, 
by tlie last of March next, to John Shaw, John 
Trimble and Samuel Mott, trustees, whenever the 
sum of $15,000 shall be subscribed, for the purpose 
of settling up the affairs of the Owl Creek Bank. 
As every thing calculated to throw light upon this 
mysterious subject may be regarded as worth}' of 



KNOX COUNTY. 189 

preservatioiij we give the names of the parties snlj- 
scribing, aud tlie amounts and conditions affixed : 

Gilman Bryant ^ $600 

Allen Scott 200 

Josepli Talmage, in trade at trade prices 150 

Henry Markley, in trade at trade prices 700 

Eli Miller, ^ in Owl Creek paper and J trade 200 

Jonathan Miller, in good trade or Owl's Creek paper 300 

Wm. Mitchell, in Owl Creek paper or cash 400 

Hosmer Curtis, in something as good as the debts 400 

Moses Merritt, in Owl Creek paper or trade 150 

Jacob Young, in Owl Creek paper or trade 300 

Robert Giffin, in good trade at cash price 300 

Jas. Shaw, in property 300 

John Trimble, in good trade at cash price 250 

Jonathan Hunt, in good trade at cash price 150 

Jos. Brown, in good trade — say whisky 100 

Samuel Mott, in trade 100 

Henry Davis, Owl Creek paper or cash 400 

John Hawn, in property 70 

John Hawn, jr., $300 in traid and $500 

John Troutraan, in good trade or Owls 200 

THE FAMOUS OWL CREEK BANK CASE. 

Eobert Giffin, Josepli Talmage, Jacob Yonng, 
William Douglass and others, on the 21st of Au- 
gust, 1829, by Thomas Ewing, their solicitor, filed 
a Bill in Chancery in the Supreme Court of Ohio 
for the county of Knox, against Jacob M. Banning 
and others, claiming the defendants whose names 
were set up in said Bill as Stockholders in the Owl 
Creek Bank, and demanding that they should be 
decreed to account, pro rata, for their shares of 
stock held to ax>ply in payment of a certain suit 
prosecuted by one Luke Walpole upon the paper of 
said bank, and upon which a judgment thereon 



190 HISTORY OF 

was recovered by said Walpole at the September 
term, 1826, against tlie parties complainants and 
Abraliam Darling, John Ewalt and William Mitch- 
ell, for $8,415 20, and costs of suit. Upon said 
judgment executions having been served out and 
levied upon the lands of complainants, and they 
demanded that those who were with them in equity 
alik« bound for payment of the same should be 
required to liquidate their proportion of the same, 
and for such other further and complete relief as 
they were in equity and good conscience entitled 
to at the hands of the court. 

These parties admitted themselves to have been 
stockholders to the amounts following, to wit : 

Robert Giffin, 25 shares, contributed $200 — cash deposited in bank. 
Joseph Talmage, 10 shares, contributed $250. 
William Douglass, 70 shares, contributed S'600. 
Jacob Young, 10 shares, contributed $500. 

Of the other judgment debtors to Walpole, Wm. 
Mitchell had 25 shares, and paid $500 ; Abraham 
Darling 25 shares, and paid $500 ; and John Ewalt 
had 20 shares, and had paid nothing. 

The stockholders to the bank were never fully 
known bv reason of the mutilation or alteration of 
the books, which took place pending a suit between 
Luke Walpole and some of the stockholders. The 
bank was entered one night, and the large box that 
contained the papers carried off, and subsequently 
the box was found in a thicket of hazel, east of 
town, broken open, and the books and papers scat- 
tered about with several of the names of stock- 
holders obliterated. The testimony in this case, 



KlfOX COUIS^TT. 



191 



the proceedings of the court, and reports of the 
Receiver, exceptions to his rei)ort and final decree, 
make one of the largest volumes of record in the 
Clerk's office of Knox county — duly labeled " The 
Owl Creek Bank Case." Eroni this official, and 
authoritative record we copy the names and shares 
of stock of parties alledged to have been partners 
in the firm, name and style of the " Owl Creek 
Bank." 



Hosmer Curtis 50 shares 

Jouatlian Agnew 20 ' 

William Scritclifield 5 ' 

Insley D. Johnson 5 ' 

Joseph Critchfield 10 * 

James Barkhurst 5 ' 

Robert Dalrymple 12 ' 

James M. Gibeny 15 ' 

Allen Scott 10 ' 

Joseph Mann 10 « 

Gilman Bryant 50 ' 

John Green 10 

John Hawn 15 

Philip Melker 50 

John Stilley 25 

John Shaw 10 

Wm. Darling, of Richland county 10 

James Boltom 20 

George Davis 20 

John J. Tulloss 10 

Jonathan Hunt 21 

Abel A. Webster, of Richland 50 

Eli Miller 50 

Benjamin Rush 10 

Henry Markley 25 

Nicholas Riley , 25 

Henry Davis 20 

Jacob M. Banning 50 



paid $500 00 
30 00 





133 


00 


66 


GO 


3S0 


00 


725 


00 


250 


00 


900 


00 


150 


00 


510 


00 


200 


00 


316 


00 


160 


00 


50 


00 


150 


00 



250 00 
266 00 
375 00 
500 00 
625 00 
150 GO 



192 HISTORY OF 

Gotlieb Zimmerman 20 shares, paid $345 75 

W. Y. Farquliar 20 

Nathaniel Scritchfield 10 

Francis Wilkins 25 " 

Eli Gregg - 10 

Jacob Lepley 20 

Samuel Mott 30 

Aaron Hill 10 

Thomas Irvine 20 

Jonathan Miller 50 " 

John Trimble 15 

James Smith 50 " 

Isaac Richardson 5 " 

JohnHibbits 10 

Jacob Draper » 10 " 

Henry B. Carter 10 

Wm. Robeson 20 

James Severe 8 " 

Rebecca Harris 25 " 

Jonathan Rapp 10 " 

Wm. Bevans 20 

Wm. W. Farquhar 15 



125 


00 


133 


00 


100 


00 


58 


00 


125 


00 


350 


00 


31G 


00 


66 


00 


200 


00 


200 


o'o 


100 


00 











265 00 



All of the county of Knox — 
James M. Taylor, 10 shares. Joseph Fulton 10 shares. 



John Cully 10 

A. H. Oaffee 10 

Noble Landon. . . 10 

A. Warthen 10 

Silas Mead 10 



All of the county of Lickint 



Jonathan Conard 10 

Wm. Robinson 70 

Wm. W. Gault 50 

John Houston 67 

Benj. Warner 10 



Jacob Been 10 shares. John Badger 6 shares. 

Hiram Ball 9 " Matthew Kelly 10 " 

Benj. Mochaber 8 " Henry Vaught 10 " 

Buckingham, Sherwood and Eben P. Sturges, traders, under tlie 
name and style of Sherwood 6c Sturges, 20 shares, all of whom 
are of Richland county, and 





(^iy^ 




Muldlebin. Slnhndxid iCC°UUi"Qji 0. 



KNOX COUNTY. 193 

Elijah Newcomb, 17 shares ; Thomas Butler, 50 shares, paid 
^350 — both of Coshocton county. 

John Beckwith, 8 shares, of Perry county. 

Jacob Morris, 5 shares, of Perry county. 

Samuel B. Carpenter, 15 shares, of Huron county. 

John Leyland, 10 shares, of Huron county. 

Enoch Harris, 15 shares, colored man, of Marion county. 

John Morris, 20 shares, of Wayne county. 

John Shrimplin, 20 shares. 

Adam Johnson, of Coshocton county, 50 shares. 

Isaac Dillon, of Muskingum county, 50 shares. 

George Reeve, of Muskingum county, 50 shares. 

Robert Dalrymple, 50 shares. 

James Barcus, 50 shares. 

Wm. Critchfield, Sr., 50 shares. 

Wm. Darling, 50 shares. 

James Rightmire, 50 shares. 

Insley D. Johnson, 50 shares. 

Jacob Cook, 50 shares. 

The above named were claimed, as above repre- 
sented, by the bill of complainants, to have been 
interested in the concern ; and ha\dng been duly 
subpoenaed and brought into court, their own an- 
swers and testimony, of much extent, was given as 
to who the partners were, &c. While some few 
plead the statute of limitations, in addition to other 
testimony, the greater number — to their credit be 
it said — confessed the soft impeachment, and ex- 
pressed themselves ready to stand the con^q[uences. 

Henry B. Curtis was appointed Master Commis- 
sioner, and, after a thorough and searching exami- 
nation, he made, on the 18th of September, 1837, 
a very elaborate and able report. Having, upon 
his appointment, caused publication to be made by 

13 



194 HISTORY OF 

newspaper to all interested, either as creditors or 
partners, of his appointment to close, and finally 
settle, as far as practicable, the concerns of said 
Bank, and having before him all the testimony, 
he determined the relative position of the parties, 
defendant, and discharged from liability, as stock- 
holders, of that number Jacob M. Banning, Wm. 
Bevans, Isaac Dillon, George Beeves, Sturges and 
Sherwood, Francis Wilkins and Matthew Williams 
for insufficiency of proof. 

At the said September term of Supreme Court, 
A.D. 1837, Judges Beuben Wood and Peter Hitch- 
cock approved said report, by which it appeared 
that the sum of $26,790.20 was required to be 
raised to meet and discharge the present unpaid 
debts of the Company, in Owl Creek Bank Bills, 
commonly called; and the liabilities of the par- 
ties defendant being established equal, it was fur- 
ther ordered that said sums, as assessed by said 
Master Commissioner's report, be paid by said par- 
ties to him, and the cause was continued for fur- 
ther report. 

Several of the parties defendant, by their Attor- 
neys, filed exceptions to said report, and, as to their 
rights, and for further examination, the papers in 
the cause are referred to H. H. Hunter, Esq., of 
Lancaster, as Special Master, who, at the Septem- 
ber Term, 1838, submits a partial report, as to cer- 
tain parties referred to him, and still further re- 
ports, as by testimony, the following additional 
stockholders equally liable, viz : Solomon Geller, 
owner of 20 shares ; John Hawn, Sr., 15 shares ; 
Nathaniel Johnson, 60 shares (50 of which being 



KlifOX COUl^TY. 195 

transfers from Jonathan and Eli Miller) ; William 
Blackburn, 20 shares ; Matthew Merritt, 4 shares ; 
G. B. Maxfield, John Troutman and N^. M. Yonng, 
10 shares each. At the same time the Special 
Master concludes with this statement : 

" It is believed that no man can, at this time, possess himself of 
the facts necessary to do exact justice in the case. Though it is 
believed that much additional evidence, with proper exertions, may- 
be collected, to render the case more perfect. All which is respect- 
fully suggested. 

" H. H. HUNTER, Spl M. C. 

At the September Term, 1839, Judges Peter 
Hitchcock and Frederick Grimke allowed the com- 
plainants leave to amend their bill, and make the 
newly-discovered stockholders parties, &c.; and 
the Court continued H. H. Hunter Special Master 
for further investigation, and with more extensive 
powers. 

At the September Term of 1810, Master Com- 
missioner Hunter submitted his final report, con- 
cluding with a statement of accounts and an ag- 
gregate amount remaining due — .'^17,457 27; and 
the Court, upon further hearing of exceptions by 
counsel and arguments for their respective clients, 
decreed accordingly, and continued the appoint- 
ment of Henry B. Curtis as Keceiver, to collect 
from the parties the sums assessed against them, 
and to pay off the judgment creditors, <fec. 

At succeeding terms of the Court, various orders 
were made, as necessary in the progress of the 
cause, and upon the reports of the Keceiver of his 
action had in the premises. 

And thus the case " dragged its slow length 



196 HISTORY OF 

along," until tlie final report of the Keceiver was 
filed, and the canse finally disposed of upon excep- 
tions taken by Miller & Dunbar, of attorneys for 
certain defendants, wliicli were overruled by the 
District Court in chancery, ICth of June, 1859 — and 
an entry upon the journals expresses the satisfac- 
tion of the Court at its termination — by the Re- 
ceiver in having disposed of the remaining assets 
by sale under order of Court, for an amoiuit suffi- 
cient to liquidate all outstanding indebtedness. 

" It is now, therefore, ordered and decreed, that said report be 
forthwith approved, and sale fully confirmed," * * " and this 
v/hole case is accordingly discontinued." 

"The undersigned, now, therefore, regarding substantially all in- 
terests adjusted and settled in behalf of party creditors, and the 
assets for that pupose exhausted, recommends that the suits pend- 
ing be finally dismissed from the docket, without prejudice to the 
rights of the assignee to collect the balances against party credit- 
ors, standing unsatisfied, agreeably to former reports and decrees 
in this cause. The undersigned reports all costs paid, as far as 
known to him, and, as he believes, in full. 

" In taking leave of the case which, for more than thirty years, 
has occupied a conspicuous position on the docket of this court, 
and in closing the trust which, for more than twenty years, has 
been confided to the undersigned, he takes leave to congratulate 
the court on the final adjustment of the whole matter, and to ex- 
press his profound thanks for the confidence so long continued, 
without which, the vexed, complex, and 25i'otracted labors of the 
case would have been rendered much more onerous, and the results 
obtained proved far less satisfactory. 

"To the parties (many of the original of whom have departed 
this life since the commencement of this suit) and to their heirs 
and representatives, the full record of this case — while it may re- 
call some reminiscences of an unfortunate enterprise and its calam- 
itous results, will also remind them of many incidents, and profit- 
able lessons in the school of experience, and be, for all time to 



EJfOX COV^TY. 197 

come, the veritable history of 'The Owl Creek Bank of Mt. Ver- 



uon.' " 



Such is, in brief, tlie history — more particularly 
tlie legal history — of the Owl Creek Bank ; an in- 
stitution which, in part from its outre name, has 
acquired more notoriety than any other that has 
ever existed in America — if not in the world ! 
The fame of the "United States Bank" was not 
more widely extended. Its failure created no 
greater dismay. IS^ations ci^dlized and tribes say- 
age have seen and handled its money. In its brief 
life, yet protracted existence, it has been cursed 
most by those whom it befriended, and wronged 
most by those who professed to be its friends. 

The evil day came upon it — even in its early 
youth ; before it had become full grown, the keen 
frosts nipped it. Its crest fell and its petals closed 
in, because too much light struck in on it suddenly. 
Its head wilted ; it fell ; and great was the fall 
thereof. Its sunshine friends deserted when the 
cloud portended the coming storm — some who had 
received its money and upon whom it had shoAver- 
ed benefits, and some who had lent their credit and 
volunteered their names to the infant, deserted 
its canse, and attempted to plead infancy and lim- 
itation in bar. As with the human kind, when 
life is almost extinct, doctors are often called in 
only to attend upon the corpse ; so, in this instance, 
lawyers were brought in at the eleventh hour to 
the wake. In the last pangs oj)iates were sought 
to be administered, and the sleep of forgetfulness 
was invoked by a few ; but to their credit be it 
said, that less than a half dozen of all the defen- 



198 HISTOEY OF 

dants in Kuox county invoked the aid of the act 
of January 25th, 1810 — pleading, accordingly, the 
statute of limitations ; or that other plea, in bar, of 
like character — that the partnership or association 
they had formed, to make themselves rich, was 
contrary to an act to prohibit the issuing and cir- 
culation of unauthorized bank paper. 

To their honor be it said that the stockholders of 
the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon — the hardv 
old pioneers — the Darlings and Youngs and Mitch- 
ells and others, who knew so well how to fell the 
forest ; to hunt the wolves, deer and bear ; to till 
the soil ; to clear off the wilderness, and so little of 
banking as not to be classed as experts by finan- 
ciers of more modern date, yet came up " to the 
scratch," and redeemed "the promises to pay" of 
their bank officers. 

It is true, that the arbitrament and final settle- 
ment of its affairs went to law ; but, under the cir- 
cumstances, it was a matter of necessity that the 
equities should be adjusted by the courts. Almost 
every one of the parties were willing to pay their 
proportion of the debts at the first; but each 
thought it but right to pay his own proportion and 
no more. Hence the ablest of the men learned in 
the law at that time accessible, were " called" to 
take a hand in the Owl Creek Bank case. Among 
the number thus employed were Thomas Ewing, 
Henry Stanbery, H. H. Hunter and W. W. Irwin, 
of Lancaster ; C. B. Goddard, C. C. Converse, C. W. 
Searle, Wjdlis Silliman and Geo. James, of Zanes- 
ville ; David Spangler, of Coshocton ; Judge Orris 
Parish, of Columbus ; W. Stanbery, G. B. Smythe 



KNOX COUS^TT. 199 

and I. Dille, of Kewark ; Jacob Parker, of Mans- 
field ; Benjamin S. Brown, R. 0. Hurd, J. 0. Hall, 
0. Delano, H. Curtis, J. K. Miller, W. Dunbar 
and M. H. Mitchell. 

Of the entire number of parties defendant named 
in these pages, but fiA^e, so far as known, survive, 
to wit : our venerable townsmen, Aaron Hill and 
Eli Miller ; our noted countymen, John Troutman 
and Nicholas Kiley ; and H. Curtis, Esq., now re- 
siding in Keokuk, Iowa. And of the 24 attorneys 
engaged in the case, but 13 are now living. 

Of the Judges who have heard this great cause 
at diiferent stages of its progress, Calvin Pease, 
Joshua Collett, Peter Hitchcock, Jno. C. Wright 
and K. C. Read, are dead. 

Einally, after thirty years in the courts, this case, 
noted as that famous one of Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce, 
was brought to a close, the last dollar of its issue 
presented redeemed, and, forty-three years after 
its birth, " all that was of earth and earthv" of 
the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Yernon, was con- 
signed to its final resting-place — the Croat Book of 
Records. 



200 HISTdBT OF 



OHAPTEE Xyi. 

INCIDENTS AND EVENTS OF 1816. 

The fikst paper at mount vernon. — Gleanings from the ohio regis- 
ter. — Some account of the business men of that time. — Of the mar- 
riages, INCREASE OF POPULATION, ETC. SOME OF THE DEATHS. AD- 
DRESSES OF CANDIDATES. — KiNQ CAUCUS APPEARS. ELECTIONS. — PrICE OF 

SALT, ETC. 

0:s Sunday evening, April 28th, tlie people were 
thrown into great consternation by "J. Flienome- 
non. — A dark place appeared on the north part of 
the Sun ; it appeared gradually to move towards the 
centre. What wonderful event this is the forerun- 
ner of is yet unknown, whether it be the fall of 
empires, Idngdoms, or of more important events." 
This appeared on the evening of the 4th day after 
the first paper was issued at Mt. Vernon. Won- 
derful circumstance ! 

Rattlesnakes were quite common, and their bites 
frequent about these times — hence the Ohio Hegister 
publishes. May 8th, an efficacious remedy for tlie 
bite. An application of kali j)i'cparation to the 
wound, and a lump the size of a hazel nut dissolved 
in vinegar to be swallowed during effervescence 
every twenty-five or thirty minutes. 

"Cold WEATHER FOR THE SEASON." "5D0LLARS REWARD?" — 

Taken from the Ohio Hotel, in Mt. Vernon, on or about the 15th 
of April last, (either intentionally or through mistake) a dark colo- 
red Great Coat, with a cape somewhat larger than ordinary, and 



KNOX COUNTY. 201 

the collar lined with snuff-colored velvet. If said Great Coat was 
taken through design, the subscriber will exchange small clothes 
for it if returned to him by the person who took it away ; or the 
above reward will be given to any other person who will deliver 
it to J. Brown, in Mt. Vernon, or to 

JOHN FRANK. 
May 15, 1S16. 

Samuel H. Smith gives notice, April 23, ]S16, that he has for 
sale 7,800 acres which he has just "subdivided into lots, from 
100 to 300 acres to accommodate actual settlers." 

" John Wilson, with the greatest respect, would inform his cus- 
tomers and the public in general, that he has just received a fresh 
supply of NEW GOODS, consisting of Morocco slippers, «&c., all of 
which he will dispose of on the most moderate terms for cash or 
approved country produce." On the 24th of July he advertises 
himself " west of the court house and next door south of Mr. An- 
thony Bannings, where he will sell salt by the barrel at $2 per 
bushel, or $2.25 by the single bushel," &.c. 

" Dr. Robert D. Moore, engaged in the practice of Medicine, 
from his medical attainments, hopes to render general satisfaction." 

As showing the wild nature of our county seat, 
at that time, and the difficulties of raising children 
in a new country, we insert the following obituary 
notice as we find it in McArdle's style of publish- 
ing — the first article under tlie editorial head, May 
22d, 1816 : 

" Sudden Death. — Departed this life on Friday afternoon, the 
17th inst., Samuel Zimmerman, son of Gotleib and Eve Zimmer- 
man, of this town, aged eleven years, one month and twenty-nine 
days. His death was in conseq[uence of eating a small portion of 
the root of a wild parsnip, said to be rank poison. His illness was 
short, but pains excruciating, which terminated his end in about 
40 minutes — leaving behind him an affectionate father, tender and 
loving mother, two brothers and three sisters, who greatly lament 
the irreparable loss of a dutiful sou and brother. 



202 HISTORY OF 

In youth's bloom day I'm called away, 

My parents are behind; 
Of this fine boy who would have been their joy, 

Had he been spared to live. 

But God in mercy called me home, 

His wisdom to fulfill, 
He gave me birth and gave me breath, 

And blessed be his will. 

! look on me and you will see 

A youth knip'd in the bud. 
Here I can't stay, I must away 

To appear before my God. 

My Pappy and Mamma I fear will fret 

At loosing of their Son ; 
But dry up your tears, appease your fears, 

My time was fully come. 

An accident it seemed to be. 

Which brought about my end ; 
But God does all things for our good, 

And Christ is our sure friend. 

Then why should I fear death's stern looks, 

Since Christ for me di' die ; 
For all in Mount Vernon, old and young, 

The force of death must try." 

Bryant and Burr, under date of May 1st, 1816, 
give notice that tliey " liavc just received a fresli 
supply of new goods, consisting in part of fine and 
coarse clotlis, cassimers, velvets and cords, vesting, 
bombarzets, factory muslins, silk for dresses and 
lioiinets, silk and cotton sliawls, silk and Madrass 
liandkerchiefs, cotton and worsted hose, a few fasJh- 
ionahle bonnets, <S:c., &c., all of which will be sold 
cheap for wheat, rye, oats, sugar, bacon, homemade 
linen, rags, furs and cash. Ready for trade and 
barter — sell is the word!" 



KI^OX COUl^TY. 203 

Having formed this arrangement, another part- 
nership is about this time entered into, which con- 
tinued for life. It is thus published in the Oliio 
Begistcr of May 8tli : 

" HYMENIAL. 

" Lovers, you -well may envy them, 

Whom such fair joys adorn; 
His hand receives a Diadem, 

And she has lost a Thorn. 

"Married.— On Sunday last, (May 5th, 1S16,) in this town, by 
the Rev. Javics Smith, Doctor Timothy Burr to Miss Rachel 
Thrift, daughter of the Rev. Wm. Thrift of this county." 

" Married, June 2d, 1814, by the Rev. Mr. George, Mr. Daniel 
Conger, to Miss Elizabeth Roberts. ' And God said unto them, 
Be Jruitful, and muiiply and replenish the earths " 

John Garrison, having laid off the town of Ed- 
winburg on an elevated spot of ground, six and a 
half miles west of Mansfield, on the State road, 
offers lots for sale May 8th, 1816, and advertises 
the public that a large spring of water is in the 
center of the town. Poor Edwinburg! alas, death 
stole gently upon the innocent, and not a mark of 
the place is now visible upon any map ! 

The following specimen from the OMo Bcgister 
of June 12th, 1816, is the first effusion of a love- 
sick swain on Owl Creek's stormv banks. It is to 
be hoped that the "youth" was "relieved:" 

" Mr. M'Ardle — By inserting the following Acrostic, you will 
particularly oblige your friend and well wisher, 

Alphonso. 

"TO MISS M S . 

"M ay Heaven on thee her choicest gifts bestow j 
I n thy dear breast may every virtue glow : 
S edate and modest, wise, kind, and free — 
S uch may thy character forever be. 



20'4 HISTORY OF 

"M ost charming fair, the loveliest of your kind, 
A nd most accomplished, both in form and mind, 
R eceive this humble tribute to your fame, 

Y et far beneath what your just merits claim. 

" S uch winning sweetness decks your beauteous face, 
N other maid possesses half such grace; 

Y our unaffected beauty, free from art, 

D olights and captivates each youthful heart; 

E ngaging fair, then let thy pitying breast 

R elieve a youth whom love has robb'd of rest.'' 

" Miss Mary Fulton respectfully informs the inhabitants of 
Mount Vernon and its vicinity, that she has opened a Milliners 
Shop at H. Curtis', Esq., second door Sow West of the Coiu-t House on 
High street, where she intends keeping on hands an elegant assort- 
ment of fashionable bonnets, caps, <&.c. * * * * Plain sow- 
ing done in the neatest manner and on the shortest notice. May 
22d, 1816." 

" A gentleman who arrived at Xenia, 0., about the 1 5th of April, 
from Vincennes, states that seven soldiers belonging to Fort Har- 
rison, had been killed by the Indians. It was unknown to what 
tribe they belonged." 

"On the ISth of April last, the Steamboat Maria, Captain 
Lovell, arrived at Cincinnati from Marietta, bound to Boston, Mass., 
with a cargo of pork, flour and lard." 

Another store is opened at Mount Yernon by 
A. & T. Gormly, from Pittsbiirgli, in May, 1816. 
Tliey advertise '^an assortment of tJie manufdctures 
of Fittshur(/h, to wit : two stills, iron in the bar, 
&c., &c." 

At about this time the principal travel ^vas to 
Zanesville. J. Keeve advertises that he keeps 
tavern at the sign of the Beak, formerly occupied 
by Col. J. Perry, on Main street, Zanesville, and 
closes with the following notice : 

"N. B. — Travellers will be supplied with a Way Bill, giving an 
account of the Roads and Distances to the principal towns in the 
United States." 



KlifOX COUISTTT. 205 

At this time John Hamm, Marshal of the Dis- 
trict of Ohio at Zanesville, x^aid Invalid Pension- 
ers of the United States at his office in that place. 

William Kattle, living in Clinton township, near 
Charles Cooper's one mile West of Clinton, lost 
" one pretty good chunck of a gi'ey horse, and a 
cliesnut sorrel with a Eoman nose and a Avhite 
strip inclining down one of his nostrils." 

In July, John Sawyer and Adney Coleman com- 
menced butchering in Mount Yernon, and keeping 
beef at their slaughter-house every Tuesday and 
Priday morning at reduced price. 

Thomas Irvine also advertises as a butcher, and 
wants to purchase hides and fat cattle. 

Alexander Elliott found, on Saturday morning, 
Sept. 21st, on Market street, six dollars in bank 
bills, which he advertised as wanting an owner. 

James Moor, acting Sheriff of Eichland county, 
Sept. 25th, 1816, j)roclaims through the Ohio Beg- 
ister that the people of Jefferson toAvnship are ex- 
pected to vote at the house of Mr. Bell, on the Cle<tr 
Forh on the second Tuesday of October next. 

Six cents reward is offered, September 16th, by 
J. & S. Selby for George Huntsbery, an apprentice 
to the hatting business (through the persuasions of 
some intriguing persons) induced to run away ; but 
no charges paid for returning said boy. 

Andrew Thompson & Co. carry on the Woolen 
AND CoYEELET WEAVING at Henry Oldacre's, near 
James Dunlap's, on Licking Creek. 

The firm of A. & T. Gormly is dissolved Septem- 
ber 11th, and Thomas Gormly continues the busi- 
ness. 



206 HISTORY OF 

In September, B. Bentley opened for Jos. S. 
IN^ewell an extensive assortment of goods, wliicli 
were for sale or exchange for butter, beeswax, linen, 
grain, rags, bags, or feathers. 

" To substantial citizens a credit will be given 
without any enhancement of prices." 

" To ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. — You are hereby notified that 
a petition will be presented to the next Court of Common Pleas, 
for the county of Knox to vacate a certain part of the town of 
Mount Vernon, viz : Lots No. 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, the property 
of L. S. Silliman, together with the streets and alleys adjoining." 

j^athaniel Herron wants immediately two or 
three Journeymen Carpenters; also one or two 
apprentices. 

Alexander Enos has for sale one tirst rate and 
one second rate wagon. 

The members of the Mount Yernon Polemic So- 
ciety met at the court house October 17tli, at 6 
o'clock, P. M. 

On the 23d of November Wm. Y. Parquhar, 
Clerk, exposed to sale, at 12 o'clock, '' sundry works 
and repairs to be done to the court house," by order 
of the Commissioners. 

Huron and Wayne, Coshocton and Kichland 
county advertisements are inserted in the Ohio 
Register. 

Jonathan & Eli Miller, Nov. 27th, advertise that 
they are receiving new goods from Philadelphia : 
groceries, imported liquors, morocco leather shoes, 
queensware, &c. 

J. & S. Selby, hatters, on the 7th September, at 
public vendue, disposed of all their traps. Among 



K3!T0X COUS^TY. 207 

tlie articles enumerated were a two wlieeled pleasure 
carriage ; also a handsome sleigh, a rifle gun, a num- 
ber of first quality liats, &c.; and the following 
choice tit bit for our early citizens : ly ''Epicures, 
here is something for you! — A pet oub bear will 
also be sold to the highest bidder! You seldom 
meet with such a chance as this." 

George Dickenson, in KoYcmber, offered a re- 
ward of one cent for the return of a runaway 
apprentice boy, named Michael Eairchild, between 
18 and 19 years of age, short thick set, light com- 
plexion, cunning and" rogueish. 

John Greer, Collector for Knox county, on the 
7th December, at Major Joseph Brown's tavern, 
offered for sale 47 lots for taxes, amounts due rang- 
ing from 4 cents to $1.50. 

Samuel H. Smith, August 7th, advertises as just 
finished a lot of leather — sole and upper, Mp and 
calf, for sale wholesale or retail, at Clinton. 

James IMiller, August 21st, opens a new store in 
Mount Yernon, in the room lately occupied by Mr. 
John Wilson. 

Hugh McMahon carries on a tanyard at Clinton, 
and he warns people against purchasing leather 
of Samuel H. Smith, as he has a claim on it. 
Whereupon Samuel comes back iij)on him in the 
following unique style : 

" Mr. McArdlk — Sir : In your paper I observe a caution to the 
public, by Hugh McMahon, forewarning tliem from meddling with 
his property. I would ask Mr. McMahon how far his claims ex- 
tend ] Does he still hold a claim to the store of goods in the town 
of Delaware, into which he entered by the window, in the night, 
in the absence of the store kepeer ? Or has he relinquished his 



208 HISTORY OF 

claim to the goods in hopes of having better success with Leather'? 
I would advise said McMahon to go to work and endeavor to obtain 
a livelihood by honest industry, and shun the counsel of the man 
who would advise him to thieving or perjury in order to gratify 
his revengeful passion. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

S. H. SMITH." 

A meeting of citizens of Hicliland county was 
lield at tlie house of Samuel Williams, Esq., in the 
town of Mansfield. John Garrison, Esq., was called 
to the Chair, and C. K. Pollock appointed Secre- 
tary ; and they resolved to support Thomas Worth- 
iugton for re-election as Governor, Peter Hitch- 
cock, Esq., for Eej)resentative in Congress, and 
Joseph Brown, Esq., for Senator, to represent Knox, 
Eicliland and Licking counties. The proceedings 
were ordered to he j)uhlished in the Trump of 
Fame, in Trumhull county, and the Ohio Begister. 

" Was found, on the Main street, Mt. Vernon, a calico dress 
pattern. The owner, by giving an accurate description thereof, 
and paying for this advertisement, may have it again. Enquire 
of the printer. 

Mt. Vernon, July 10, 1816." 

Erom a song of these times we extract the follow- 
ing liits at members of Congress for voting to in- 
crease theii' pay, which, since the passage of the 
great tax bill of June, 1862, will be read with a 
livelv interest : 

Our stills you tax most dev'Iish high, 
You promised that it should die 
When wars were o'er one year gone by 

That you'd relieve us ; 
But here you told a thumping lie, 

A thing most grievous. 



KXOX COU]!^TY. 209 

Ye tax our whisky day by day, 
That you may riot, sport aud play — 
Perhaps on Sunday ye do pray 

To make amends ; 
Whether or not, ye are on the -way 

To have no friends. 

"We're told you sport and drink and game, 
If true, dear sirs, do blush with shame — 
If true or false ye have the name. 

And more's the pity; 
Rise quick, and tell us who's to blame, 

In some committee. 



There are many verses, but the above will suffice 
as showing the spirit in resistance to the tax on 
s]3irits, &c. 

About this time, Nov., 1816, aristocratic notions 
entered the heads of some of our citizens, and an 
advertisement appears — 

"A Barber Wanted. — A Barber will, probably, meet witli 
good encouragement in this place (Mount Vernon.) It would 
make it an object well worth tbe attention of any one who could 
devote part of his time to any other business." 

Population in the county began to increase quit^ 
rapidly by immigration, and in the natural way. 
As showing something of the stock in those times, 
we take from the Register a statement in regard to 
David Wilson, Sept., 1816, in his seventy-eighth 
year, who " has had four wives and by them forty- 
two children. His oldest child is but sixteen years 
younger than himself. His second wife had five 
children, at two births, in eleven months. Mr. 
Wilson is a native of Pennsylvania — drinks grog 
freely — converses with ease and alfability — and sup- 

14 



210 HISTORYOF 

ports his family by labor. He has worn a bat 
twenty-two years, which is still passably decent." 

Old Captain Wilson was well known to his neigh- 
bors as one of the liveliest old pioneers. Some of 
liis stock yet snrvive in old Knox. 

That there was nnexampled fecundity at this time 
among our people, we may still further note the 
fact that, on the 9th of December, a petition from 
the west was presented to Congress, by Mr. McCoy, 
from an honest couple, who represented that they 
had been united in wedlock's happy bonds for 27 
years — in which time they have added to our popu- 
lation 20 children, 19 of whom are living, and 
whom they have maintained by the product of their 
manual labor. On that score they pray Congress 
for a donation of public lands to make their decli- 
ning years more easy. The Journals show its ref- 
erence to the committee on Public Lands. 

We still further find by the Ohio Begister, Yol. 
2, No. 11, that a " Mrs. Contzeu was delivered of 
four children — three boys and one girl, all likely 
to do well." 

Erom the publication of Marriages, by McArdle, 
we take the following of parties well known to the 
citizens of the county : 

" July 30th, 1816, by Rev. James Scott, Mr. John Frank to .tlie 
amiable and accomplished Miss Sarah Hickman. 

" July 4th, by Abner Ayres, Esq., Mr. Isaac Williams, of Rich- 
land county, to Miss Sally Bartlett, of this county. 

"October 26th, by Jacob Hanger, Esq., Mr. Nathaniel Davis to 
Miss Patsey Doty. 

" October 26th, by Benjamin Barney, Esq., Mr. William Wager 
to Miss Margaret Bixler. 



KNOX COUNTY. 211 

" December 4tb, by James Smitb, Esq^., Mr. John Strain to Miss 
Maria Craig. 

In the issue of August 14tb, 1816: 

"HYMENIAL. 

'The laws enacted by our God, 
Peremptorily bind 
Man to unite in silken ties, 
With lovely womankind.' 

" MARRIED — On Sunday evening last, by the Rev. James Smith , 
Mr. Daniel S. Norton, of Connelaville, Pa., to Miss Sarah 
Banning, daughter of Mr. Anthony Banning, of this town." 

"Though Heaven had made him such another world 

Of one entire and perfect Chrysolite, 

He would not exchange her for it." — Shakspeare. 

"Married — On the 26th of December, by John Young, Esq., 
Mr. James Harris to Miss Mary Logan; also Capt. John Stiltz to 
Miss Margaret McCulloch. 

" On the 12th December, by Rev. Henry George, Mr. William 
Bri/ant to Miss ElizabetJi Norton. 

"At Frederick, by Abner Ayres, Esq., Mr. George Ayres to Miss 
Jane Garrison. 

" At Mansfield, Mr. Henry Ayres to Miss Jane Hoy, daughter of 
Capt. Wm. Hoy, of Richland county. 

Samuel Mott, candidate for Senator, Sept. lltli, 
sends out to the electors of Licking, Knox and 
Richland, the first printed address we have been 
able to find. He says, among other things, that he 
has " been induced to become a candidate from the 
encouragement of many substantial and respecta- 
ble citizens in the district." 

In the Begister, of Sept. 11th, we find tickets 
announced as the choice of Chester, Morris, Morgan 
and Miller townships. 

There were many aspirants for political promo- 
tion. Among the number we find, for Governor — 



212 HISTORY OF 

Thomas Wortliington, Etlian A. Brown, James 
Dunlap. 

Por Congress — Peter Hitclicock, John G. Young, 
David Olendenan. 

Tor Senate — William Stanbery, Esq., William 
Gavitt, Esq., Major Joseph Brown, Samuel Mott, 
Esq., Benjamin Martin, Esq., Waitstill Hastings, 
Henry Smith, Mordecai Bartlej. 

Eor House of RepresentatiTes — Jonathan Miller, 
William Mitchell, Munson Pond, John Warden, 
Alexander Enos, Judge Thomas Coulter for Rich- 
land county, William W. Earquhar. 

The Ohio Register, of August 2Sth, ha^^ng con- 
tained this notice : 

" There is another gentleman who very kindly offers his servi- 
ces as Representative in the State Legislature; he is extremely 
modest, though very fopuJar ; he, therefore, believes that it will 
amply suffice, at this time, to make public the initial letters, only, 
of his name. They are " R. B." 

Expectation, on tip-toe, was gratified by the fol- 
lowing explanatory card : 

"September 5th, 1S16. 

Mr. McArdle : After my respects to you, as you have been so 

good as to insert the two first letters of my name, (I presume it has 

been from the solicitations of my friends) I wish you to insert my 

name in full, as I am a candidate, and determined to oppose "\Vm. 

Mitchell ; and forward your bill to me, and you will much oblige 

yours, &c. 

ROBERT BUTLER. 

J. P. McArdle." 

Col. John Greer, about this time, felt the impor- 
tance of his military commission, and issued an 
order to the commandants of companies in the 
county of Knox to send two men from each com- 



KI^^OX COUXTT. 213 

pany to Mr. Boalse's inn, to nominate suitable per- 
sons to represent the counties of Knox, Licking and 
Richland. Whereupon there a])j)eared, on the 13th 
September, the following persons : 

From Captain Parcel's company, Truman Strong 
and David Shaw. Erom Captain Cook's company, 
Capt. John Cook and Isaac ^. Bkliardson. Erom 
Captain John Yenom's company, Josiah B. Day 
and John TrimUe, Prom Captain A. Emmet's 
company, William Bevans and Benjamin Warner. 
Erom Captain Cooper's conij)any, Jacol) Hanger 
and Jonathan Burch. Erom Captain Squire's com- 
pany, James Ililler and John J. Tidlos. 

The result of this caucus — or military dictation — 
the first of the kind ever known in this count}' , 
was the nomination of Waitstill Hastings and Jon- 
athan Miller. 

i^ominating caucuses were also held in Richland 
and in Licking counties this year. The contest 
waxed very warm ; circulars and handbills were 
much circulated, and all manner of electioneering 
was resorted to at this election. The result, however, 
was that out of 485 votes for Governor cast in the 
whole county, Thomas Worthington received 124 
majority. Peter Hitchcock had 163 majority for 
Congress ; and the county gave small majorities for 
Martin for Senator and Miller for Representative. 

Samuel Mott received 1 vote in Clinton, 3 in 
Morris, 8 in Miller, and none in Chester, Wayne, 
Jackson, Union and Morgan. Connected with this 
election is the following anecdote, which is alto- 
gether too good to be lost : Gideon Mott, the brother 
of Sam, who was a very plain man, yet full of wit, 



214 HiSTOEY or 

was responsible for it. He said that lie dropped in 
to see Mrs. Mott on the night of the election, and 
while there Samuel got home from Eichland coun- 
ty, where he had been electioneering, and asked 
how the election had gone in Clinton, and when 
he replied "He got one vote," Mrs. M. exclaimed — 
" That's always the way it is — if you had only been 
at home, Samuel, and voted, you would have got 
two !" 

Josiah L. Hill, of Green township, offers himself 
as a candidate for Representative of Kichland coun- 
ty in the following pithy addi'css : 

"The usual theme of candidates, in my standing, are many loud 
swelling words full of legislative wisdom, or rather of their own 
egotism, and to harangue every neighbor in their way with the 
prospect of a State road or a turnpike, by measures of which one- 
half of our citizens will become wealthy inn-keepers, and the other 
half their happy customers, with their pockets flushed with money 
drawn from a new country bank to be erected on a new fangled system, 
and thus all are to be ritch and happy. But such language as this 
hath never fallen from my lips since the days of my youth, when 
under the passions of love and addressed to females of my age, and 
I shall not again resume this theme until I become a widower; 
but while I speak for myself to men of understanding and discern- 
ment, and not to women, I have only to say that I stand a free will 
offering at the alter of your good pleasures. * * * 
Should I succeed in my election I shall feel it incumbent on me 
to use my feeble endeavors, by lawful incense, to gratify my con- 
stituents, and this is all the flattery I have to make use of. My 
abilities are too small to boast of, which, with my character, are 
now for you to enquire into. 

So I remain the public's devoted servant, 

JOSIAH L. HILL. 

Green Township, Sept. ]5th, 1816." 

TThereupon Thomas Coulter withdraws liis name 
from the list. 



Kis^OX COUXTY- 215 

At the election, this year, 470 votes were cast in 
Kichland countj^of which Worthington had a 
majority of 353, Hitchcock 433; and for Senator 
Mordecai Bartley received 339, Wm. Gavitt 77, 
Joseph Brown 23, Samuel Mott 10, Benjamin Mar- 
tin 6, Waitstiil Hastings 6. And Samuel Williams 
was elected Bepresentative. 

Benjamin Martin, for Senator, puts forth the fol- 
lowing address : 

" To the electors of the district composed of the counties of Licking, 
Knox and Richland : 

Gentlemen — As I am offering myself as a candidate to repre- 
sent the inhabitants of the above district in the State Senate, I 
think it my duty to lay before the public a copy of official papers, 
which I hope you -will read, and thereby satisfy your miuds in 
regard to my political character. The first of my certificates of the 
oath of allegiance. 

I do hereby certify that Benjamin Martin, of Bedford county, 
hath voluntarily taken and subscribed the oath of Allegiance and 
Fidelity, as directed by an Act of General Assembly of Pennsyl- 
vania, passed the 13th day of June, 1777. Witness my hand and 
seal the 10th day of October, A. D., 1783. 

JAMES MARTIN. 

'Bedford cov.nty. State of Pennsylvania, ss. 

We, the subscribers. Justices of the Peace, &c., in and for the 
county of Bedford, do hereby certify to all who it may concern, 
that we have been acquainted with the bearer hereof, Benjamin 
Martin, son of James Martin, Esq., of the county aforesaid, for 
these several years past, and that we have not heard of anything 
to operate against his character as an honest young man ; but on 
the contrary, that he has behaved himself as a good whig and a 
friend to his country. And he being desirous to go from here to 
the lower parts of this State to transact some business and see his 
relations; therefore, all persons are requested to permit the said 



216 HISTORY OF 

Benjamin Martin to pass and repass, he behaving himself as a good 

and faithful citizen ought to do. 

Given under our hands and seal, the 20th of April, in the year 

of our Lord 1784. 

r , BARNARD DOUGHERTY, 

l^-^-J DAVID ESPY. 

Sirs — Having always in view, as my polar star, the principles 
contained in the above oath and certificate, I have with a steady 
mind, either as a private citizen or as a public servant, pursued 
that kind of policy which Avould best promote the interests of our 
country, as the principles of general suffrage; for I always have 
and ever shall be of opinion, that when a man has enrolled him- 
self in our militia muster-rolls, and has paid State and county tax> 
that in consequence thereof, he is, and ought to be entitled to all 
the privileges and advantages of the government ; and any policy 
or law, which, in its operation, would tend to lessen those privi- 
leges would be an invasion on the natural and inherent rights of 
man. Those, gentlemen, are the principles which I ventured my 
life to establish, and the remaining part of my days shall go to 
maintain. 

Written by the public's humble servant and real friend, 

BENJAMIN MARTIN." 

The difficulty of collecting debts, in part at this 
time, may be judged of by the following unique 
notice of sheriif Shaw : 

" Public Notice. — My friends and the public are hereby in- 
formed, that shoiild they have large sums of money to collect, not 
to bring suit in the Court of Common Pleas, in expectation of 
thereby obtaining their just demands in a reasonable time, I 
have been induced to publish this friendly caution that the public 
may not censure me for neglect in my ofiicial capacity. In order 
to show where the fault lies read the following plain statement : 

" I have been assiduously endeavoring to collect the amount of an 
execution ever since I have been sheriff of this county, and have 
as yet received no money. The associate judges grant bills of in- 
junction successively, after I have had the property ready for sale, 
which has procrastinated the collection of the money. There have 
been two on the aforesaid execution ; the judgment was rendered 



KlsTOX COUNTY. 217 

at December term, 1815, for Erkurius Beatty. Therefore, if the 
laws of this State will keep a man out of his money three years 
after judgment is rendered, I would seriously advise my friends 
not to bring suit for debts due them, but rather remove to some 
other State or country where they may obtain justice. 

JOHN SHAW, Sheriff of Knox Co. 
September 4, 1816." 

The fall term of Court of Common Pleas came on December 24, 
1816. 

" G-rand Jury. — Isaac Vore, sr., foreman, Abednego Stephens, 
Thomas Townsend, Zebulon Ashley, David Jackson, Robert Work, 
Wra. Lepley, Wm. Kittle, John L. Lewis, Samuel Durbin, Robert 
McMillan, Anthony Banning, Francis Wilkins, Francis Blakeley 
and Thomas Fletcher. 

" They found six bills of indictments. Tavern license was 
granted to Anson Brown and Jonathan Hunt. Store license to 
John Williams, James Rigby, James Miller, John Shriraplin, 
Bryant & Burr, Eli & Jonathan ]\Iiller, and Anthony Banning. 
Shadrach Ruark, of the Methodist church, was licensed to marry, 
and James Craig was fined $15 and costs for assault and battery. 

"A Hint — Promises, witJiout performances, are like clouds with- 
' out rain. — The subscriber finds it indispensably necessary (these 
hard times) to call upon those of his friends who are indebted, lest 
they should forget him. He feels very sorry that a few broken 
promises should interdict all social intercourse : therefore, he earn- 
estly solicits them to come forward and enable him, like an honest 
man, to meet those who have reposed confidence in him. 

"J. BROWl^. 

"N. B. I have a quantity of whisky for sale, either by the 
barrel or gallon, at my tavern in Mount Vernon. J. B. 

" Mount Vernon, June 12, 1816. 
" J. Brown's tavern, called the ' Ohio Hotel.' " 

" Mr. John Mecabee gives notice that he has commenced tavern 
keeping in Clinton, at the well known stand of the " Rising Sun," 
formerly occupied by Mr. E. Ogle. That the house is large and 
commodious for the reception of ladies, gentlemen, and travelers. 
June 19." 

The MJi of Jul If was celebrated iu becoming style 



218 HISTORY OF 

at several points in the County, as will be seen from 
the following notices : 

"At a meeting of a number of tlie inhabitants of Knox county, 
held at tlie bouse of William Mitchell, Esq., June 12th, to make 
arrangements for the Fourth of July, William Mitchell, Esq., was 
appointed Chairman, and Doctor Gr. B. Maxfield, Secretary. The 
following resolutions were unanimously adopted : 

" 1st. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to conduct the 
business of the day. Accordingly the following gentlemen were 
chosen, viz: Wm. Mitchell, G. B. Maxfield, Job Allen, N. M. 
Young, John Garrison and John Lewis, 

" 2d. That the day be kept as a day of ThavJcsgiving, and all 
ministers of the Gospel living within a reasonable distance be in- 
vited to attend, and that they meet at the house of Captain Job 
Allen, about three-quarters of a mile south of Fredericktown, at 
9 o'clock A.M. 

" 3d. That an invitation be given to all that wish to unite with 
us. The business of the day to commence at 9 o'clock A. M. 

" 4th. That the following named gentlemen be a committee to 
superintend the singing, which is to be part of the performance of 
the day : Benjamin Jackson, Sen., Jacob Young, John Meflford and 
Benjamin Jackson, Jun. All those who are completely acquainted 
with all or either of the parts of vocal music are requested to make 
it known sometime previous to forming for the march, as it is in- 
tended to practice certain tunes. 

" WM. MITCHELL, Chairman. 

" G, B. Maxfield, Secretary." 

In the issue of July 10, 1810, we have a notice 
of the proceedings celebrating the Fourth, in pur- 
suance of the arrangements made at the meeting 
before noticed: 

" Agreeably to previous arrangements to celebrate the 41st anni- 
versary of American Independence, a respectable company of be- 
tween three and four hundred persons met at the house of Captain 
Job Allen, and having formed a procession, they moved in regular 
order to the place appointed for public worship. A very suitable 
and impressive discourse was delivered by the Rev. Henry George, 



KlfTOX C0U2s^TT. 219 

from Gallatians v: 13; and, after a short intermission, tlie atten- 
tion of the audience was again called by the E-ev, James Smith, 
who delivered an excellent and comprehensive discoui'se from 
Luke XX : 25. The singers took their seats by themselves, and 
the greatest decorum was observed throughout the day. The de- 
vout exercises being ended, a highly gratified audience dispersed 
in harmony, nothing having occurred to mar the pleasures which a 
decent commemoration of the birth day of our National Independ- 
ence is calculated to produce." 

The paper of July 21st coiitains a comiminica- 
tioii giving an account of a celebration "by a very 
respectable number of citizens in Wayne township, 
at the dwelling house of Mr. William Drake. The 
day was ushered in by the discharge of musketry 
from a volunteer company commanded by Captain 
Israel E,. Dalrymi^le. The Declaration of Inde- 
pendence was read by Mr. Jabez Beers, and a pat- 
riotic and very animated oration delivered by Mr. 
Truman Strong." Some of the toasts are rather 
si)icy. Witness the following: 

" Each Monarch of the Earth — The Island of St. Helena their 
dominion, and Bonaparte their landlord." 

" The factious Americans, or English devotees — ^Dartmoor prison 
their cradle, and Captain Shortland their nurse." 

" George Cahot, President of the Hartford Convention — May the 
warm sun of Republicanism melt the tory frost from off his head 
and heart; and may he cast off his pernicious principles as the 
reptile doth its skin." 

" John Bull — Twice has he attempted to destroy the liberties of 
America, and twice has he witnessed the futility of his attacks on 
the sons of freedom's soil." 



220 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTEE XYII. 

KNOX COUNTY IN 1817. 

Illustrations of the spirit op the times. — Theatricals. — Missiona- 
ries TO BE sent to Connecticut. — Small-pox excitement. — Trials 
OF interest. — Patriotic outgushings op popular feeling. — Com- 
bination OF mechanics. — Bill of prices. — First delegate to the 
state institution. — Another town. — More whisky and more mar- 
riages. 

This year was introduced by a grand Theatrical 
exhibition by the young gentlemen of Mount Yer- 
non. Of the performances, the following were 
a part : 1. An Address to the audience ; 2. The 
Conjurer — A Dialogue ; 3. The Dispute between 
a Merchant and his Wife • 4. Clownishness and 
Awkwardness, in 2 Acts ; 5. The Lap-Dog — A 
Dialogue of two Ladies ; G. Douglass, or the 
Noble Shepherd— A Tragedy; 7. The Knight's 
Dream ; 8. Cowardice and Knavery ; 9. A Dia- 
logue between a Schoolmaster and School Commit- 
tee, &c. Eor several years the young gentlemen 
continued their theatrical exhibitions, and often 
acquitted themselves handsomely. 

The following "furwan" we copy verbatim from 
the Begister of January 29th, 1817 : 

" Take notice — That eye have left my wife Iselbelah irelands 
bead and board and eye know furnwan any person or persons 
creeaditing hir on my account as eye shall not be acountable for 
eny of her deats or contracts from this date likewse eye furwau 



KK^OX COUKTY. 221 

eny person or persns from purchasing eny property whatever til 
her former cleats is all paid up John Ireland." 

The following entiy upon the Court minutes, 
shows that the people Avere minus a term of Com- 
mon Pleas. The reason, we learn from the oldest 
inhabitant, was "high water"— one of the "biggest" 
sj)ring floods ever known by the old settlers : 

" The Court of Com. Pleas was opened at Mount Vernon the 
24th March, 1817. The Sheriff appeared and called the Court, 
who failing to appear, the Sheriff adjourned the Court until to- 
morrow morning, 9 o'clock. The Sheriff appeared and opened 
Court agreeable to adjournment, and called the Court, and Judges 
Young and Trimble, and no other Judge ; Avhereupon, by order of 
the Judges, ordered the Sheriff adjourn the Court until to-morrow 
morning. Jacob Young. 

" 9 o'clock, according to adjournment, the Hon. Jacob Young 
and John Trimble, Esq., Associate Judges, appeared. There not 
being a quorum, the Court being opened, the said Judges ordered 
the Court adjourned until Court in course. Jacob Young." 

This month a Yankee peddler, named Giddings, 
passed through the county bound for Columbus, 
who sold to several of the merchants wooden nut- 
megs, having a few genuine ones for them "to 
sample." 

The old settlers of the county became charitably 
inclined, and determined to send Missionaries to 
convert " the everlasting heathen of Connecticut." 
Accordingly they formed a society for this purpose, 
and published on the 9th of April the following 
notice : 

" OHIO MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 

" 1^^ We are authorized to state, that a Society has been formed 
in this State for the purpose of propagating the Gospel among the 



222 HISTORY OF 

everlasting Heathen of Connecticut and tlie parts adjacent. The 
first meeting of the Society will be held in Zanesville on the 20th 
of May next, for the purpose of electing suitable Missionaries for 
the performance of the arduous undertaking. It is hoped that all 
who are favorable to the cause, will contribute their mite to effect 
so desirable an object. 

" l^^ Printers favorably disposed towards the Ohio Missionary 
Society, are requested to give the foregoing one or two insertions." 

At this period Zanesville was tbe great town of 
Central Oliio, and at that place and Putnam the 
principal shij^ping and other business was trans- 
acted by the citizens of Knox county. 

In May, 1817, John S. Dugan having opened the 
Green Tree Hotel in Zanesville, advertises that he 
has a number of German servants (redempti oners), 
"who are attentive and honest ; one of which is a 
regular bred horse Doctor, and served six years 
under Bonaparte as such ; and 'tis said by travelers, 
he is one of the best hostlers in the United States. 
l^ My whole study is to please, and I hope the 
public will give me a chance to do so." 

The little log school-house on the public square 
had served its time, and at private houses schools 
had for some time been kept, when the public-spir- 
ited men in Mount Yernon started subscriptions to 
build another. 

June 7th. The subscribers to the new school- 
house projiosed to be erected, met at E-ichardson 
and Yore's tavern to choose managers, &c. 

June 18th. The small-pox having made its ap- 
pearance at Kewark, caused a great excitement in 
the quiet village of Mount Yernon. The inhabit- 
ants ran to and fro, not knowing what to do. A 
public consultation was had, and Dr. R. D. Moore 



KNOX COUNTY. 223 

wrote and published a little treatise on the subject, 
giving the origin of the disease, the views of '^ the 
immortal Jenner" upon "the grease, ^^ "cow-pox," 
"small-pox," etc., and concluding as follows: — 
" ly The small-pox has been for some months past 
traveling northward, and is now within a short dis- 
tance from this place. The subscriber will attend on 
every Satukdat, at his house in Momit Vernon, 
for the purpose of vaccinating (those whose pecun- 
iary means will not warrant application), gratis.'''' 
Anderson Searl, of Mount Yernon, on the 18th 
of June, j)ublishes that he will not pay a certain 
note given to William Shinnibery for a certain 
black and white muley cow, to be delivered to him 
next harvest ; " the said note being given in part 
consideration of a certain horse sold to me by said 
Shinnibery for a sound horse, which T have since 
found to be unsound." 



NOTABLE PROCEEDINGS OF COMMON PLEAS COURT, JUNE 23d. 

"At this term, the Indictments vs. John Strain, were read, and 
he was fined on the first $20 and costs — and on the second, assault 
and battery, $10 and costs. 

" The Grand Jurors — Royal D. Simons, foreman — returned seven 
bills of Indictment. Albert Sherwood, by verdict of jury, recov- 
ered $75 oS of Wm. Williams for assault and battery ; and in suit 
of the State Wm. Williams was fined $15 and costs. Thomas 
Wilkins and John Roop are, each, fined $5 and costs for assault 
and battery ; and John Strain and John Roop, each, fined $5 and 
costs for an affray, and Robert Butler was fined $15 and costs. 

"James Trimble renews his tavern license ; also Michael Harter, 
John Davidson, Gotleib Zimmerman, and Richardson «fe Vore. 

" On application of Anthony Banning and Samuel Kratzer for 
the vacating of a part of the addition of the town of Mount Vernon. 
The application is overruled at the cost of the applicants. 



224 HISTORY OF 

" Samuel H. Smitli's application for vacating part of the town 
of Clinton was coutinued; and also continued Oct. term, 1817. 

" Ordered that a certificate issue to pay expense of Coroner's 
inquest over the body of Wm. Conaway, jr. ; also of N. Butler. 

PATRIOTIC OUTBURST ON THE NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY. 

The ith of July was celebrated by the Mount 
Yernon Artillery Oomj^any, under Oapt. Joseph 
Brown, with all the pomp and circumstance of 
war. The day was duly ushered in by a national 
salute — a grand parade came off — a sumptuous 
dinner at Richardson & Yore's inn — and toasts, 
sj)eeches, and wine made it a merry occasion. The 
Declaration of Independence was read by Doctor 
Robert D. Moore. Among the toasts were the fol- 
lowing : 

" The Constitution, the grandest work of human genius — May it 
loug stand the proudest monument of Republican solidity. 

" The memory of our departed American heroes from Warren 
down to the hrave Pike and Lawrence. 

^'Faction, the bane of republican governments — May it never be 
suffered to impair confidence in our legally constituted authorities- 

" May the words Federalist and Democrat be exchanged for the 
prouder appellation of — 'I am an American citizen.' 

*' The Fair Daughters of Columhia — Always lovely, but more 
divinely enchanting when attired in homespun, smiling on the pa- 
triot brave. 

" By Capt. John Shaw — May brother Jonathan watch John Bull 
with the eye of an Eagle." 

A quarterly or sacramental meeting was held on 
Friday, the 4th of July, at the Dry Creek school 
house. All christians and ministers of the gospel 
were earnestly solicited to attend and assist in the 
various exercises of the service. 



KNOX COUKTY. 225 

THE STOflE SET UPON CAMPBELL'S POEMS— THREE DOLLABS OF 
ADVERTISING A $1.50 BOOK. 

" Hope deferred maketh the heart sick." 

"In the month of November, 1815, I advertised a volume of 

Campbell's poems, which I had lent some considerable time before 

to an acquaintance of mine. The principal poem in this work ia 

entitled " The ■pleasures of Hope" and I had entertained a kopeoi 

obtaining it long ere this ; but this hope, like some other of my 

expectations, has perished. I now only wish it may be returned 

to me. 

ROBERT BUCHANAN. 
June 18th, 1817." 

This notice not having the desired effect, on the 16th of July 
the following pointed addition is made to it : " If Mr. J — n W — 
k — r, who was entrusted to deliver the above volume to me, by the 
person to whom I lent it, does not return it within two weeks from 
the date hereof, I will give his name to the public, together with 
some traits of his character, which have not much the appearance 
of honesty ! 

" As I am credibly informed that you have refused five dollars 
for those poems, I think you ought not to object paying me #1.50 
for them. You may send or bring me this amount, or the book, 
at your own option. I am determined to have it or its worth from 
you — peaceably if 1 can, forcibly ifl must, 

R. B. 

"The pleasures of Hope"-^ — agcdn. 
" To Mr. John Walker : 

Sir — The two weeks in which I allowed you to return the above 
poems, have now elapsed unheeded by you. At the expiration of 
that time, I promised to give the public your name and an expo- 
sition of your conduct in retaining this book in your own possei»- 
sion after having politely proffered your services to convey it to 
me from the young lady to whom I had lent it ; but being blessed 
with a pretty good share of charity, I have omitted the exposition 
for the present, and inserted your naf?ie only — giving you one 
week further to decide whether or not 'honesty is the best policy f* ' 

ROBERT BUCHANAN. 

July 3d, 1817/' 

15 



226 HISTORY OF 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS SHOWING THE KIND OF CURRENCY, 
BUSINESS VIEWS AND INCONVENIENCES. 

John Erank & Co., July ITtli, offer " iron, cast- 
ings and salt, being botli chartered and casJi arti- 
cles in this place, and solicit their friends to v^honi 
they gave a short credit last winter to come for- 
ward and discharge their resj)ective accounts. * 
« * * They are informed that the paj)er 
of the Owl CreeJc Bank of Mount Vernon, and that 
of Canton, and the Farmers & MecJianics' BanJc of 
Steuben\ille will be taken," &c. 

Luke Walpole brings to Mount Yernon a quan- 
tity of salt, leather, and castings to exchange for 
beef and pork, delivered in Zanesville the coming 
winter. 

Oct. 16th, [Frederick Ealley, proprietor of Yen- 
ice, has 1,000 lots for sale, and invites all classes of 
mechanics and business men to locate there. About 
this time it was the supposition that Yenice would 
become the future shipping point for Knox county, 
and Norton & Banning established a storage, com- 
mission and mercantile house at Yenice, on the 
Sandusky bay. As evidence that this belief was 
general, we may cite the act of the Legislature of 
1817, declaring that the road to be made by the 
Knox, E-ichland & Huron Turnpike Company shall 
terminate at the town of Yenice, on Sandusky bay. 
Robert D. Moore, as agent for the Mary Ann 
Furnace, situate on the Eocky Eork of Licking, 
brings to the notice of our citizens a large assort- 
ment of castings of superior beauty and quality, 
and asks them to encourage manufactories. 

Daniel S. Norton notifies those who were in debt 



KNOX COUNTY. 227 

to him on the 16th of August last, to pay up while 
they can in the paper of the country. 

Anthony Banning advertises a large lot of leatJier, 
which he will sell for hides or chartered money — 
or chartered money will be given for hides. 

Jesse B. Thomas cautions " all persons (indis- 
criminately) against cutting, destroying, or remov- 
ing timber from or otherwise trespassing upon his 
lands on the Hamtramck section, as I have given 
my agents (Messrs. John Boherts and John Warden) 
positive instructions to prosecute all." 

THE FIRST COMBINATIONS OF MECHANICS, WHO THEY WERE, 
AND THEIR BILLS OF PRICES. 

"Taylors Prices. — "We, the subscribers, of Mount Vernon, 
have agreed to establish the following prices for Tayloring, viz : 
Great coats, $4.50; hroad cloth coats, $4.00; common homespun, 
$3.50; common pantaloons, $1.25] vest, $1.25 ; pantaloons icith but- 
tons on the legs, $1.75 ; ditto welted, $1.50 ; cherrivallies laced, $3 ; 
plain ditto, $2.25 ; ladies^ coats, $3.50. Any extra work on the 
above articles shall be priced according to the work. 

WM. W. ALEXANDER, 
WM. PETTIGREW, 
WM. CROUCH. 
May 20, 1817." 

William Giffin and Peter Zarly got up a meeting 
of Millwrights, at Zimmerman's inn, on the 26th 
of August, for establishing a bill of prices for their 
work. At this meeting John Williamson, Samuel 
Pyle, Peter Zarly, James King and William Giffin 
were present. Among the items we find — "Eor a 
double geered grist-mill, f 300 ; for a double geered 
saw-mill, $200 ; for a meal spout, $2 ; meal trough, 
$3 ; hopper, %l, &c." 

Jacob Myers, Patrick Nellans, Robert Robert- 



228 HISTORY OF 

son, Samuel Hoppers, Samuel Yance, John Byan, 
John Cottle, John Kinsey and David Poter, agree, 
upon lionor, to support the said bill of prices. 

PETTY THIEVING AND OTHER RASCALITY. 

Michael Click offers one cent reward for Michael 
Teadrow, an apprentice to the brick-making busi- 
ness, but no charges paid. September 3d. 

James Miller publishes the following notice : 

" The person who took away a Mattock from my building, with- 
out leave, is requested to return the same immediately, or his name 
will be given to the public (besides prosecuting), as it is well 
known who purloined it." 

"Take care. — The person who was so kind as to take away 
without leave, a pair of stretchers and a broken singletree, on the 
29th of August ; they were laying on the green between Messrs. 
Bryant Sf Burr's and Mr. J. Frank Sf Co.'s stores, are requested to 
return the same immediately to the subscriber, and save themselves 
trouble, they had better return them before they are troubled with 
a call from Mr. Constable. 

•' Mi. Vernon, Sept. 5, 1817. Jatnes T/iompson." 

^oah Rude has a chesnut sorrel horse stolen from 
James Bryant's pasture on the night of the 5th of 
September, and offers a reward for him. 

At the District Court of the United States, held 
at Chillicothe on the 9th of September, Samuel 
Bunting was indicted on a charge of robbing the 
mail between Kewark and Zanesville, and was sen- 
tenced to the Penitentiary for one year. 

Horse thieves about this time became so bold 
tli^t Joseph Berry had, on the morning of the 19th 
of September, a mare, saddle and bridle stolen fi'om 
the door of James Thompson in Mount Yernon, just 
after he had hitched her, and gone into the house. 



KNOX COUNTY, 229 

At the October term of Knox Common Pleas, 
John McEarland was tried for feloniously stealing 
a five and two one dollar notes on the Owl Creek 
Bank of Mount Vernon. The jury found him 
guilty of stealing the five dollar note ; as to the 
other counts in the indictments, not guilty. The 
court sentenced him to one year imprisonment in 
the penitentiary at hard labor, but no part of said 
term to be kept in solitaiy cells of the prison. The 
prisoner was a boy, 14 to 15 years of age, the son 
of a poor man, who, from want of restraint and of 
care in his tuition, had been led to crime. 

PROCEEDINGS OF FALL TERM (OCT. 13th) COMMON PLEAS. 

" On the petition of sundry inhabitants of Mount Vernon for 
incorporation of said town, the sherifiF made proclamation thereof 
according to law. Store license was issued to Daniel S. Norton 
and P. M. Weddle. Tavern license issued to Wm. Ayres, Seth 
Knowles, Richardson &. Vore. S. W. Culberson was allowed $10 
for defending Jacob Kyser, a criminal now in court." 

Patrick Moore had 81 cases at this tenn upon 
the docket vs. John Green. Thus many bank cases 
make their appearance, and add greatly to law bu- 
siness in this county. Among others were the 
noted Owl Creek ones ; Patrick Moore vs. James 
Smith, John Hawn, jr., Jonathan Miller et al.; 
the famous Luke Walpole case shows its head, and 
tVe "Granville Alexandrian Society" brings suit 
vs. Enos, Farquhar et al. The first money made 
by process of law, for military purposes, was in the 
noted cases of C. Langworthy for use of George 
Downs vs. Alex. Enos and Samuel Kratzer. In 
which it was " ordered that in both these cases the 



230 HISTOET OP 

money be paid to Dr. Timotliy Burr, tlie present 
Paymaster of tliis Regiment," &c. 

The State case ys. Alex. McKee was disposed of 
by fining bim $5 and costs ; vs. Wm. Henry by 
fine of $3 and costs ; John Watt f 3 and costs ; 
George Lybarger f 10 and costs. Assault and bat- 
tery was coming to be regarded in a more serious 
light. 

ANOTHER TOWN ON PAPER. 

A new competitor for public favor springs into 
notice in September bearing the name of Eloeida. 
It is a town laid out by Samuel Hardenbrok, Geo. 
Vennemon and Plum Sutliff, on the ><j roads from 
Mansfield to Columbus, and from Mount Yernon 
to Upper Sandusky — on a handsome eminence sur- 
rounded with springs of elegant water and rich soil, 
convenient mill seats on the waters of Owl Creek 
and Whetstone. Of this as of another city it may 
truthfully be said — " Ilium fuit" 

^'10 TRIUMPHE'—K NEW INSTITUTION ESTABLISHED. 

Joseph Brown starts a distillery near Mount 
Yernon, and gives sixty -two and a half cents for 
every 56 lbs. of good clean rye delivered at the dis- 
tillery, or at Capt. Douglas' mill ; he also gives one 
gallon of whisky for every five pecks of good clean 
rye. Thus in October, 1817, did the second large 
manufactory of fire water go into operation. 

THE MARRIAGES REGISTERED. 

" On January 2d, 1817, by Rev. Jamos Smith, Mr. John Divycr 
to the amiable Miss Sally Martin, both of Mt. Vernon. 

" On January 7th, by the same, Mr. Reasin Yates to the accom- 
plished Miss Na7icy Boalse-y daughter of Capt. N. C. Boalse, both 
of this town. 



KNOX COUNTY. 231 

" On Tuesday February 4th, by the same, Mr. Oladiak Tatman 
to Miss Peggy Severe. 

"What joys they both receive and both bestow, 
Virgins may guess but wives, experienced, know." 

"On same day, by Rev. James Scott, Mr. David Newell, of 
Richland county, to Miss Juliet Cooper of Knox. 

"There seems no goose so gray, but soon or late 
She finds some honest gander for her mate." 

" On Saturday evening, 22d February, by Wm. Douglass, Esq., 
Mr. Elijah Webster to Miss Elizabeth, disconsolate widow of — 
Mr.- — AsJc, alias alias Simpkins. 

" Married, April 10th, by Wm. Douglass, Esq., Mr. Isaac Hol- 
lister to Miss Hannah Kattle. 

" A matchless pair — 

Hers the wild lustre of the rising morn, 

And his the radiance of the risen day." 

" Married, on May 15th, 1816, by Rev. James Smith, Mr. Alpheus 
Chapman to the amiable Miss Amy Ward. 

"On May 7th, 1S17, by Rev. James Scott, Mr. Edward Mar- 
ques to Miss Elizabeth Newell. 

"On June 19th, by Rev. James Smith, Mr. Leonard Simons to 
Miss Sally Boylcs. 

" On July 17th, by the same, Mr. Isaac Vore, jr., to Miss Polly 
Martin. 

"On July 10th, by Rev. George Vennemon, Mr. Ensley D. 
Johnson to Miss Sarah Petton, near Lexington, Richland co. 

" Love, friendship, honor, truth and pure delight, 
Harmonious mingle in the nuptial rite." 

" On July 17th, by Rev. James Smith, Mr. Alexander McKee to 
Miss Tahitha Waddle. 

" The following good play is made on occasion of the marriage of 
James Strong to Miss Sally Strong : 

" It has been said in former times, 

Too sacred to be wrong ; 
The battle is not always won, 

Or given to the strong. 
Grant this assertion may be true, 

As on the sacred page ; 
Who'll gain the battle, I will ask, 
Where two thai's stkono engage ?" 



232 HISTORY OP 



CHAPTER xym. 

CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY IN 1818. 

bcim nrpending. moch suffering. — a few quaint adtertisements. 

Efforts to start a sabbath-school, and to sell young ladies ! — 
Horse-thieves and counterfeiters abound. — A j.\il-bird escapes. 
•—A cripple runs. — Habeas corpus trials. — A grand circular 
hunt. 

The palmy periods of Knox county, prior to 
1820, were from 1808 until 1812, and from 1815 un- 
til 1818. In tlie intermediate time there was much 
depression and suifering caused by the war of 1812 ; 
and from the beginning of the year 1818, there was 
another period of deep gloom and distress caused 
by the scarcity of money, failure of banks, &c. 
For several years there was but slight influx of 
population, but little addition to the wealth of this 
section. The productions of the country were al- 
most valueless in exchange for money, and it was 
with difficulty that they could be bartered for goods 
at the stores. The unfortunate speculation in 
which many of the most substantial citizens en- 
gaged, under the name of the Owl Creek Bank ; 
the depreciation of the paper money making up the 
principal circulation, and the general lack of con- 
fidence throughout the country in all kinds of 
business operations, prevented much improvement 
being made in Knox county. Many of the then 



KlfOX COUNTY. 233 

settlers became entirely discouraged and out of 
heart, pulled up stakes and returned to their old 
homes eastward, or sought better chances elsewhere 
in the new country. Almost all whom we have 
conversed with, say that the most dull and gloomy 
times they have witnessed since the last war with 
Great Britain, were between the years 1818 and 
1825. 

During this period we find numberless suits in- 
stituted, and judgments obtained, by " The Gran- 
ville Alexandrian Societv," "The German Bank of 
Wooster," " The Owl Creek Bank," and other like 
Institutions, against the Yores, and Farquhars, and 
Strongs, and Smiths, and Browns, and Martins, 
and Hawns, and Winships and others, of the 
older class of settlers. The mere mention of this 
fact, in connection with matter developed in our 
Owl Creek Bank history, will be sufficient upon 
this subject to convey an idea of the sad condition 
of affairs at that period. To other matters, then, 
we will revert. 

And first, as to the other business disposed of by 
the Court in 1818. The Grand Jury, at the April 
term, found bills of indictment against fourteen 
persons. Eor affrays, the Court fined Wm. Wright 
$1, and costs ; Wm. Herrod and Simon Anderson 
$3 each, and costs. At the July term, six bills 
were returned by the Grand Jury ; and for fights, 
Sylvester Buxton and Daniel Baxter were each 
fined $3, and costs. Except Michael Harter, no 
new person makes application to keep tavern, and 
none to sell goods — the houses of Burr, Green & 
Co., and Moody and McCarty, being simply altera- 



234 HISTORY OF 

tions in style of firms. And for six years so few 
changes were made in these or other branches of 
business, that we desist from further detail of Court 
proceedings. 

The legal termination of Clinton's existence is 
the only court matter left to be recorded on this 
page. The Court, on the 17th of April, heard the 
petition of Samuel H. Smith, Ichabod Marshal, 
Elihu S. Webster, Lathrop Shurtliff, John P. Mc- 
Ardle, Benjamin Barney and Richard Ayres, for 
vacation of a part of the town of Clinton, and 
granted the prayer. Shortly after this the Post- 
Office at Clinton is discontinued, and it rapidly 
goes into decline. 

Miss Ann Davis is the second milliner adver- 
tised in Mount Vernon. " She is to be found at 
the house of James Smith, Esq., on Gay sti'cet ; 
and will alter straw hats of old date to any fashion, 
and has straw on hand for a few hats." 

As the people are becoming still more fashiona- 
ble, another milliner makes her appearance — and 
she has the advantage over the others of being 
^^ Mantua-maJcer^^ and "Florist.^^ Mary Lindsey 
is at the house of Benjamin Martin, corner of Yine 
and Market streets. March 18th, 1818, mtnesses 
the opening out of the first " Man-tor-mentor," as 
the natives then pronounced the word in Mount 
Vernon. 

Burr, Green & Co., having bought a stock of 
goods of Mr. Norton, in January, advertise that 
they will sell as low as formerly for Owl CrecTc 
paper, or approved country produce, but no credit 
given. 



KKOX COUNTY. 235 

In April, 1818, a two-column address was pub- 
lished in favor of establishing a Sabbath School in 
Mount Yernon — arguing that " it would be much 
better for young men to instruct the children, in- 
stead of haunting the taverns from morning till 
night ;" and saying that " a respectable company 
of young ladies in town intend to associate them- 
selves together for the purpose of forming a Sab- 
bath school." 

James Smith issues an advertisement so charac- 
teristic of himself, and characteristic of the times, 
that we give it in his own words : 

" New Goods fob Sale. — James Smith has just received and 
offers for sale a general assortment of Merchandise. In the house 
of Mr. Gilman Bryant, he will sell low for cash in hand, or country- 
produce delivered, hut no credit given. OWL Creek paper will 
he received at par ; Granville, Wooster, New Lisbon, and Canton 
will he received at the present. Clerk's Office removed to this 
stand, and 

YOUNG LADIES FOR SALE 

at seventy-five cents each." 

About the time the Owl Creek Bank was in its 
glory, sundry citizens of the northern part of Knox 
county and of Kichland and Huron concluded to 
grow suddenly rich in like manner. Accordingly 
they met at Mansfield in September, 1816, and asso- 
ciated themselves as the Bank of Bichland and 
Huron. Having consulted upon the subject, in 
October they put their schemes into articles, and 
Daniel Ayres, John Garrison, Winn Winship, 
Wm. Webster, Wm. B. James, Wilson Elliott, 
Matthew Kelly, Alexander McGaflfick, Plum Sut- 
liff, Samuel WiUiams, Wm. W. Cotgreave, Wm. 



236 HISTORY OF 

Dean Mann, Geo. Yenneman, Jacob Ozenbaugh 
and Joseph Williams take stock, and act as Com- 
missioners. 

They got fairly to work in- Owl Creek style, and 
gave through the paper frequent notices reading 
thus — 

"Wilson Elliott, C«s7^ier, notifies stockholders to i^nj ten per 
centutn on the amount of stock subscribed, being the fourth install- 
ment, within 60 days. Also those who have been accommodated 
with loans, will be prepared to pay in 25 per cent, on the renetcal 
of their notes." 

The paper of the " Granville Alexandrian Soci- 
ety" had, about those times, a large circulation 
among our citizens, and as this institution has sub- 
sequently acquired almost as great notoriety as the 
Owl, we give a few lines of our history to its origin. 

A number of the Oranvillians having become 
desirous of handling money faster than the hard 
money allowed, associated themselves together in 
1806 to make paper money. Among this number 
were Timothy Rose, Timothy Spelman, Elias Gil- 
man, Samuel Thrall, Job Case, Samuel Rose, Sam- 
uel Bancroft, John Duke, Hiram Rose and Jere- 
miah R. Munson. On the third day of January, 
1807, an act of incorporation was obtained, and the 
persons first named were constituted the first Board 
of Directors ; and for many years this organization 
manufactured what they called money. 

The country was filled with other worthless and 
irresponsible bank paj^er, and a great deal of that 
counterfeit, too. *' Shinplasters," as now termed, 
were manufactured wherever type and printing- 
ink could be got. We have one of the kind made 



KNOX COUNTY. 237 

at the Begister office in Mount Yernon, by McAr- 
dle, to fill an order from a stranger named Isaac 
Foster. They were printed on common letter paper. 
Two quires of eighty-seven and a half cents and 
two quires of seventy-five cents were issued. 

Mr. A. Liggett, Teller of the Farmers' and Me- 
chanics' Bank of Pittsburgh, wrote to L. S. Silli- 
man, Cashier of the Owl Creek Bank : 

"There is no doubt but the person getting the checks you men- 
tion printed is doing so without the knowledge of Mr. Ross, for the 
purpose of defrauding the public. If you can, without any trouble, 
put a stop to it, be good enough to do so." 

McArdle had printed them the 7th of December, 
and it was not until January that the Cashier had 
been heard from. Excitement ran high " on 
change," and with those who had taken these 
change tickets. Those were terrible times on Owl 
Creek ! 

Just before this occurrence, the men of com- 
merce had been greatly alarmed by counterfeit sil- 
ver dollars being put in circulation in the county, 
and in preference paper had assumed a prominence 
in the public estimation. 

A man named Daniel Wolgamott was arrested, 
and lodged in the jail of the county, for attempting 
to pass twelve base and counterfeit dollars, purport- 
ing to be silver. And Robert Walker was arrested 
for having attempted to pass one counterfeit dollar. 
A warrant was also issued for one William Coffrany 
for being concerned in making and passing coun- 
terfeit dollars, purporting to be silver, founded on 
an affidavit of the prisoner, Wolgamott. Coffran 
was a shoemaker by trade, and, notwithstanding 



238 HISTORY OF 

he was quite lame, made his escape. The commu- 
nity believed him guilty. 

Wolgamott, or Yidgamott, as Sheriff Shaw called 
him, remained in his lodgings (the jail) about a 
month, when, between dark and daylight one night, 
he "left his bed and board;" and the Sheriff offered 
$45 reward for the capture of a " man six feet high, 
dark complexion, dark hair, and has a downcast 
look " — but all in yain ; the place that had known 
him shall know him no more forever ! 

Horse-thieves abounded more in Knox county 
at this time than at any other period of its history. 
Scarcely a day passed without an account of some 
new depredation. Among the number were two 
fine mares stolen from the stable of Ehjah Adams, 
in Morris township, for which he offered $40 re- 
ward ; also a reward for the thief, " who no doubt 
belongs to the gang of thieves who have so long 
labored in their vocation of taking away horses from 
their honest owners ivitJwut leave, and passing coun- 
terfeit money through this State." 

Two shoemakers by trade, who passed by the 
names of Eichie and Ryan, alias Austin and Scott, 
were of this gang ; and also one John Crawford, 
who was caught with a horse stolen from Eairfield 
county, tried, and sentenced to six years imprison- 
ment in the Penitentiary. A horse-thief was fol- 
lowed till near Hanary's Block-house ; but by 
leaving the horse, rode down and made good his 
escape. Another horse-thief, followed beyond 
Radnor, left a horse dead in the road from hard 
driving. It was the custom then for men to make 
common cause, and hunt for each other's horses as 



KNOX COUNTY. 239 

soon as they heard of a theft being committed ; for 
no one knew then but what it would be his turn to 
suffer next. Anti-horse-stealing associations were 
got up, and neighbors sympathized with each other, 
upon the principle that " a fellow-feeling makes us 
wondrous kind." 

HABEAS CORPUS. 

The first writ of habeas corpus was allowed " by 
the Honorable John H. Mefford, Esq.," April 26th, 
1819. John Shaw, Sheriff, brought into the Court- 
house the body of Amos Tarnall, with the mitti- 
mus, showing the cause of his caption and deten- 
tion. Saml. Mott, Esq., appeared as his attorney, 
and on his motion, after the attorney for the State 
had duly considered the matters in law arising, the 
Court let him to bail in the sum of $50. James 
Smith his security. 

The second case, that of Wm. Knight, who, on 
the 8th of July, 1819, was brought to the Court- 
house, and by Judge Mefford admitted to bail in 
the sum of $50 ; Alexander Elliott becoming his 
bondsman. 

The third case occurred April 3d, 1820, when 
Judge Joseph Brown set at large Abel Eowler, 
upon Artemas Estabrook and Alfred Manning be- 
coming his security for his appearance at the May 
term of Knox Common Pleas, in the sum of $50. 

In this year an interesting case was presented in 
allowance of a writ, on the 20th of November, by 
Judge Brown, requiring John Bird and Judah 
Bird to bring into Court the body of an Indian 
child, daughter of Bachel Conkapote, deceased, by 



240 HISTORY OP 

her husband, Elisha Conkapote, both Indians of 
the Stockbridge tribe. Judges Young and Chap- 
man also appeared, and the whole Court lent itself 
to an impartial examination of the case, which re- 
sulted in their leaving the little Indian in the 
hands of the Birds, John and Judah. This little 
Indian was daughter of the squaw killed, as re- 
lated in chapter xxi. 

This was perhaps the most interesting case heard 
upon writ of this character, until the great military 
oase of Col. Warden, which was tried upon writ 
issued in name of the State vs. Wm. E. Davidson. 

" By Judge James Elliot, September 21 th, 1837. 

♦' W. E. Davidson, Provost Marshal of the 2cl Brigade, 3d Divi- 
sion, Ohio Militia (late 4th Brigade, 7th Division, 0. M.), in pur- 
suance of an order by Brigadier-General Wm. Bevans (commander 
of said Brigade), and upon action of a Court Martial, now in ses- 
sion in Mt. Vernon, convened by order of said Gen. Wm. Bevana, 
on Monday, Sept. 25th, 1837. Col. H. W. Strong, President of 
Board. Discharged by said James Elliott, Judge, &c." 

Another case, of much interest, at a still later 
period, was about the two dwarfs — of Porter's wife 
—held, it was claimed, illegally by Warner. Upon 
hearing, however, the Court did not think so, and 
they remained in custody of the showman, at last 
accounts. 

The writ of habeas corpus became a favorite re- 
sort in liquor cases, where parties were, as they 
thought, unjustly persecuted and cast into prison, 
by fines imposed upon temperance principles. Dur- 
ing the administration of his Honor Judge Bevans, 
more writs of habeas corpus were granted than in 



KNOX COUNTY. 241 

all the rest of our history put together. To such 
an extent was it carried, that he acquired the sobri- 
quet of Old Habeas Corpus. The venerable Judge 
always leaned towards the side of suffering human- 
ity. If he erred in judgment, it was because no 
work upon the subject had been published at that 
date. Our townsman, Judge Hurd's work on Ha- 
beas Corpus, did not get into print until the year 
1858. 

SPORTS AND CIRCULAR HUNTS. 

From the earliest period in our history, hunt- 
ing, horse-racing, and athletic sports, were freely 
indulged in by our people. Many, very many of 
these festive occasions have been lost sight of or 
entirely forgotten by the great majority of those 
now living, who in these later days have become 
wholly absorbed in money-making pursuits, and 
have ceased to think that man was made to rejoice 
as well as to mourn. Our Owl Creek settlers, the 
old pioneers, bless their memories, believed that 
there is a time for all things, and that sports of the 
turf, circular hunts, etc., were not interdicted. In 
truth, we are constrained to say that very many of 
the old set believed in such sports all the time. 

A grand circular hunt came off in 1818, wherein 
the natives of Knox and Coshocton vied with each 
other for the mastery. At an early hour of the 
day appointed for the frolic, the people commenced 
gathering in on the lower part of Owl Creek ; and 
when the companies were formed under their cap- 
tains, more than 1500 people were present. The 
drive was from our county towards the town of 
16 



242 HISTORY OP 

Coshocton, and when finally the ring was drawn 
in, from 300 to 500 deer and many wolves were 
Lagged. It was a glorious day that — remembered 
with pride by all who participated in it. Our old 
friend Joe Hull, of Monroe, was one of the cap- 
tains, and it can well be imagined that he enjoyed 
it hugely. 



KNOX COTJNTY. 243 



CHAPTER XIX. 

HISTORY OF THE PRESS IN KNOX COUNTY, 

The Ohio Register. — The Aurora — Standard — .Advertiser — Watch- 
man — Gazette — Day-Book — Banner — True Whig — Times. — The vari- 
ous daily and weekly I'APERS, RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL PUBHCATI0N8, 
AND SOME ACCOUNT OF THE EDITORS AND THEIR ADVENTURES. 

I:n^ July, IS 13, a press was j)ut up in Clinton, 
and the first newspaper ever issued in Knox county 
then made its appearance, styled The Ohio Register y 
printed and published ca ery Tuesday by Smith and 
McArdle. Samuel H. Smith was the proprietor of 
the town of Clinton, and lie induced John P. Mc- 
Ardle, who was a good practical printer, to engage 
with him in the publication of a newspaper, and in 
the printing business generally, at that place. Mc- 
Ardle emigrated from Ireland, March 17th, 1801, 
and came to this county in 1809. He is now living, 
in his 78tli year, at Fremont, in this State. Smith, 
as elsewhere stated, is alive, and surveying in 
Texas. 

The waning fortunes of Clinton, and the rising 
greatness of Mount Vernon, caused the office, after 
two years of tribulation, to be transferred to the 
latter j^lace, and accordingly, on the 24th of April, 
181(3, the first paper ever issued in Mount Yernon 
made its appearance, bearing the name of " The 
Ohio Register,^'' and having the laudable motto — 



244 HISTORY OP 

"Aware that what is base no polish can make 
sterling." It was the prolongation of The Ohio 
BegisteVy published for two years at Clinton by 
Sam'l H. Smith and John P. McArdle. 

Erom the Editor's " Address to his Patrons," we 
extract the following : 

" On moving the office and establishment of The Ohio Register 
to this place, it will be expected the editor (according to custom) 
will say something to his patrons. 

" The editor, well aware of the difficulties attending the task he 
has undertaken, to instruct, enlighten and please the public, must 
not only produce that which is excellent in its kind, but he must 
continually vary the matter and manner of his lucubrations ; he 
must, to a certain degree, he all things to all men. The serious, 
the gay, the learned and the unlearned, not only expect that their 
tastes will bo studied and their inclination gratified, but the same 
individual becomes dissatisfied with a long course of the same 
species of entertainment ; he hopes to be delighted and surprised ; 
he must find productions which are meant to be instructive, and 
novelty in those which are designed for amusement. How the 
editor will execute the duties of his employment, time will dis- 
cover; he is not disposed to boast of his education, to make a 
parade of his abilities, or to seduce the public with a multiplicity 
of specious promises. It is too common for editors of newspapers 
to undertake more than th'ey are able to perform. 

" The editor is determined not to subject himself to accusations 
of the nature above-mentioned ; and although he feels a consider- 
able degree of diffidence, he would have it fully understood that 
he expects and desires to be judged by his work. One thing how- 
ever he confidently promises, the most assiduous and persevering 
industry will be exerted to render his paper worthy of the patron- 
age which he hopes he will meet with. 

****** 

" Finally, the Ohio Register shall not be a receptacle for party 

politics, or personal abuse. On those principles the publication of 

the Register is commenced in this town, and the editor hopes that 

he will receive that share of patronage which will enable Lim to 

continue it. 

• ••••• 



KNOX COUNTY. 245 

" Terms : The Ohio Register will be published every Wednes- 
day, and will be distributed to subscribers in Mount Vernon and 
Clinton, and forwarded to those at a distance by the first opportu- 
nity, at $2.00 per annum if paid in advance, or $2.50 if paid 
within the first six months, or $3.00 if paid within the second six 
months. 

" Those who receivp their papers by post, are to pay the post- 
age. No subscription received for less than one year, and no 
paper discontinued until all arrearages are paid. A failure to give 
notice of discontinuance of a subscription, at or previous to the end 
of the time subscribed for, will always be considered as a new en- 
gagement." 

The following good rule in regard to advertise- 
ments was set forth : " The COST must accompany 
all advertisements, otherwise they will be continued 
at the expense of the advertiser until paid for." 

In those early times there were many who courted 
the muses, and among their effusions we find a 
lengthy piece Avhich appeared May 1st, 1816, and 
we have heard it ascribed to John H. Mefford. We 
extract a few verses descriptive of "Mount Yer- 
non walk" and " Owl Creek's fertile banks," grati- 
fied, that as Shakspeare has it — 

"The poet's eye in a fine frenzy rolling," 

prophetically told in that early day, how 

"For lovely nymph and gentle swain, 
Its gentle stream shall long remain 
A pleasing prospect for the view I" 

And though fools wisdom's lovely ways 
For want of sense, hate all their days, 
May all Mount Vernon walk erect 
In all the paths she may direct. 

Then shall not war's furious guns 
Bereave parents of faithful sons ; 
The cries of children we'll not hear 
Whose fathers left them arms to bear ; 



246 HISTORY OP 

Nor shall a true and loving wife 
Mourn for losing a husband's life, 
Who fell a victim to war's rage 
Before he passed the middle age. 

A fair damsel shall not complain 
For a true sweetheart in war slain; 
Nor citizens for faithful friends weep 
Who gave life their country to keep; 

But fields shall bear, and we be blest 
AVith crops the choicest and the best; 
And gentle cows shall come at will 
Our pails with richest milk to fill. 

Our barns shall be filled with plenty, 
And Springs emit water gently, 
Which shall in small clear currents flow, 
To refresh man, or panting roe. 

Abundance shall our tables spread, 
And servants never long for bread; 
But look up satisfy 'd, and say, 
"Lawful commands we will obey." 

Then long shall Owl Creek's fertile banks 
Be a peaceful walk for all ranks. 
Where tlie sycamore tall does giow, 
And where the elm its shade doth show. 

For lovely nymph and gen'rous swain, 
Its gentle stream shall long remain 
A pleasing prcepect for the view, 
Where songs of birds are ever new. 

On the loth of Octolier, 1817, the first six months 
of the second Yolnmc of the Ohio Begistcr haying- 
been completed, the editor calls upon subscribers 
to pay up old scores — 

" For witliout this one thing necossaiy, it is impossible to ex- 
pect that we can live ; money would be preferable, but if that is 
scarce with you, rags, wheat, rye, corn, and almost all kinds of 
market produce will be taken in payment." 



KNOXCOUl^^TY. 247 

On the 5th of IS'ovember he proposes to " take for 
subscription, advertisements, hand-bills or book- 
binding, wheat, rye, corn, buckwheat, &c., deliv- 
ered at Davis' mill in this town, in preference to 
some unchartered paper." (A sly dig this at the 
Owl Creek Bank, Mr. McArdle.) On the 8th of 
April, 1818, he says — 

" Peaceahly if we can, forcibly if we must." Hard Times!! 
So they are, but that is not my fault. — The next number of the 
0?do Register vvil complete the 2(1 volume that has been printed 
in Mount Vernon. From many of our subscribers we have received 
nothing but promises for services rendered. But these will not 
always answer the purpose. Like the notes of some of our banks, 
they soon depreciate when thrown into market, unless it is known 
they are bottomed upon a specie capital ; and like them " they 
will not pay debts abroad." But to be brief, " we want money 
and must have it." Remember the trite old saying, " the laborer 
is worthy of his hire." As soon as this volume is out we intend 
altering the paper into a different form. As we expect on a large 
quantity of paper in the course of two or three weeks, (for vvliich 
we must pay the cash) we hope those in arrears will call immedi- 
ately and settle their respective accounts." 

On the 15th of April, A. D., 1818, Yol. 2, l^o. 
52, was issued. Those who were in arrears and so 
often and politely requested to call and settle did 
not do so ; the large quantity of paper could not be 
paid for in cash, and John P. McArdle goes down 
under the debt of unrequited kindness — unrecom- 
pensed services. And the people of Mount Vernon, 
for a time, were without a newspaper because there 
were not enough among them having the high 
sense of honor to " pay the printer !" 

From this period until 1814, there was no paper 
published uninterruptedly as long as the Ohio Ite- 



248 HISTORY OP 

gister. Various new papers were started, and the 
editors became dissatisfied, the publishers discour- 
aged, and, after a little experimenting with jour- 
nalism, went to some more profitable business, 
engaged in some new enterprise, or left the country. 
And we regret to say that the people seemed to 
have no proper appreciation of their journals, for 
there is not in existence a complete file of any of 
the old papers, and in fact scarcely a number of 
either to be found. 

During this time the ablest men who were con- 
nected with the press, and the most violent in op- 
position to each other, were Charles Oolerick and 
William Beyans. They were arrayed against each 
other as candidates for ofiice, and each for several 
terms held the position of Sheriff of the county. 
Both were from Western Pennsylvania — Be vans 
from Fayette, and Oolerick from Washington coun- 
ty — and well skilled in the political wire-working 
and manceuvering for which the politicians of that 
county have ever been famous. In the division of 
parties, the former was for Adams and the latter 
for Jackson. The great bone of contention, how- 
ever, was the county printing, and that might with 
much truth be said to have been the only principle 
at issue between them. 

About 1822, Charles Colerick with his brothers, 
John and Henry, made their appearance in this 
county, while Bevans was Sheriff, and they set 
about establishing a small printing-ofiice. In 1824 
Edson Harkness, a printer, surveyor and school- 
teacher, emigrated from " Down East" to Mount 
Yernon ; and in 1825 he started a very small news- 



KNOX COUNTY. 249 

paper, which he styled The Western Aurora, and, 
after publishing it two years, he sold out, in 1827^ 
to James Harvey Patterson, from Eayette county. 
Pa., and William Smith, from Washington county. 
Pa., who, under the firm of Patterson & Co., con- 
tinued its publication until 1829, when they trans- 
ferred the establishment to William Bevans, who 
carried it on until 1831, when he disposed of it to 
Wm. P. Keznor, who had learnt his trade in the 
office and lived with Bevans. In 1832, O. P. Bron- 
son became associated with him, and for a time the 
paper was published by Bronson & Beznor, until, 
in October, 1833, Dan Stone buys out the office 
and carries the paper on a few months alone ; and 
then Dr. Morgan L. Bliss is associated with him, 
and it continues, under the style of Stone & Bliss, 
until November 29th, 1831, on account of severe 
and protracted illness, the latter withdraws, and 
Dr. Lewis Dyer, in a salutatory of two mortal col- 
umns, enters the list as editor, as a permanent 
business ; but in January, 1835, he disappears, and 
Dr. John Thomas succeeds him, who, being like 
his immediate predecessor, of a philosophical turn 
of mind and inclined to treat upon physiology, 
hygiene, temperance and the laws of health, found 
the age unsuited for moral reform, and, seized by 
one of his fits of "azure devils," suddenly abdicated 
the tripod, leaving Dan Stone alone in his glory, 
who continued "solitary and alone" until May 16th, 
when he too published his valedictory, and the 
paper fell into anonymous hands ; and it had 
thenceforth a very short and precarious existence, 
and has passed from memory forever. 



250 HISTOllYOP 

The first name of the paper published by this 
press was the Western Aurora — the hist name was 
the Mount Verno7i Gazette. This office was first 
set in operation at a small frame house where Dr. 
Thompson's residence now stands, on lot No. 113, 
Main street ; subsequently it was on the lot where 
General Jones now resides, on the west side of the 
Public Square, Mount Vernon, and from thence 
was moved into the second story of the Market- 
House, where Mefi'ord's saddler shop now is. 
Among the hands who worked in it were John Bor- 
land, now of Hocking county, Patterson, Eeznor, 
and Wm. Crosby. Elliott C. Vore was the carrier- 
boy in 1825-6, and Lewis Lindsay in 1827-8. 

About these times the rliymester of this office 
was Dan Jewett, a brother of Cynthia, wife of Ira 
Babcock. He wrote the Carrier's Address of the 
year 1828, and, as the first verse is worthy of con- 
sideration in these times of disunion, we give it for 
consideration : 

'• Yc lovers of Freedom, I pray you attend, 
And listen awhile to the post-boy, your friend; 
Lay aside all disunion. United let's stand, 
The fiicnds and supporters of our happy land." 

One of the political songs of that time will occur 
to the mind of our old settlers by the first line : 

"Jackson fought Duff Green like ." 



Another will be remembered by suggesting the 
chorus : 

"0, Johnny Q.. my Jo John, since Inst I wrote to you, 
I have been disappointed, John, and that I s'pose you know." 



KNOX COUl^TY. 



251 



In 1838 a new office was established here, and a 
paper called the Westei^n Watchman published by 
Samuel M. Browning, and for a few months John 
Teesdale was connected with this paper as editor, 
and had bargained for the establishment; but being 
a philanthropic Englishman, happening to insert an 
abolition article, he found it advisable to leave and 
never complied with his engagement as to paying 
for it. In 1839, October, the paper was published 
by S. Dewey & Co. but for a very short time. And 
a new candidate for public favor called the Family 
Cabinet was published for a few weeks, and then 
compelled to give up the ghost "under the pressure 
of existing circumstances." And thus we have 
traced the one side up to 1810, now let us retrace 
our steps and bring down the other. 

The Colericks, as heretofore stated, had come 
from Washington, Pa., where their father had a 
printing office at a very early day, and they had 
been brought up to the business. Ko copies of 
their papers are extant. They were intelligent and 
energetic men and labored under great disadvan- 
tages for many years, as did other newspaper men 
in this county. 

In 1827 their paper was called The Democrat and 
Knox Advertiser. 

The early carriers for their paper were Ignatius 
Oolerick, their nephew, and Henry Estabrook. 

In March, 1831, Samuel Rohrer purchased the 
office and published the paper. 

In October, 1832, F. S. & P. B. Ankeny became 
proprietors, and enlarged its size and name — Mount 
Vernon Democrat and Knox Advertiser. 



252 HISTORY OF 

The name was changed the next year to Loohing 
Glass and Whig Reflector, and in the campaign of 
1834, between Ools. Peres Sj)rague and James Mc- 
Earland, it was very bitter against the former, who 
ran on the Independent ticket, as may be judged 
from the following chorus, which we extract from 
a song of the times as showing the acerbity of the 
contest : 

"Yankee Doodle, Sprague's the boy, 
Yankee Doodle dandy ; 
He plays a good hand at cards 
And loves a good glass of brandy." 

The people did not regard these vices as disquali- 
fying Sprague for office, for he received, for Repre- 
sentative, 1,518 votes to 1,289 for his opponent ! 

This printing office was also migratory in its dis- 
position, having been during its existence on Mul- 
berry street, on the lot where H. W. Ball now 
lives, on the old Jeifres lot where Barnes' marble 
factory is, and in the second story of the frame 
where Bobert Irvine's shoe store now is, on Main 
street. 

In June, 1835, Charles Colerick established The 
Day BooTc, which was conducted by him with much 
energy and sj)irit until he volunteered as a soldier 
and went to Texas, when the office was bought by 
Delano and Browning, and the paper continued by 
William Byers until in the winter of 1837-8 it was 
transferred to S. M. Browning. 

When the campaign of 1810 opened, the Whigs 
having become dissatisfied with the abolition arti- 
cle of John Teesdale and caused him to give up the 
publication of that paper, found it necessary to pass 



KNOX COUNTY. 253 

resolutions in their county convention inviting 
Whig editors to view this location, and appointed 
a committee, of which Johnston Elliott was chair- 
man, to advertise in the leading Whig journals in 
the State for some one to come on and publish a 
paper. Under this call James Emmet Wilson, a 
son of Judge James Wilson, of Steuben ville, came 
and started the Knox County Republican, and in 
about six months associated with himself as pub- 
lisher Milo Butler, his brother-in-law. He Avas a 
poor stick ; and this paper which started under the 
most favorable auspices in the triumphant cam- 
paign of 1840, in the fall of 1841 was discontinued 
by reason of the inertness and inability of the said 
Wilson and Butler to give the patrons a "live Whig- 
paper," and because they were too much of the 

Teesdalian order. A hiatus ensued — Wilson 

and Butler went to preaching. And in 1842 Wm. 
H. Cochran, who was teaching school in Newark, 
came up and chartered the office and issued The 
Times', and from that office has been continued a 
paper, under diiferent names and editors and pro- 
prietors, until the i)resent day — the Mount Vernon 
Repuhlican brings up the list. 

This paper has been known to its readers as 
The Times — The Repuhlican Times — The Ohio State 
Times, etc., as conducted by Cochran and Silmon 
Clark; G. E. Winters, J. H. Knox, O. B. Chap- 
man, Witherow, J. W. Shuckers, the Bepublican 
joint stock company, and H. M. Bamsey. At 
present it is under the editorial management of 
W. C. Cooper, Esq. Other names may have been 
omitted who, for short periods, edited the paper. 



254 HISTORY OF 

After the Day Book office had been bought up 
and merged in The Western Watch7nan, an effort 
was made to establish another paper ; and llie 
Democratic Banner was started in April, 1838, by 

Ohauncey Basset and Eobb. During the 

summer it was edited by C. J. McNulty; but upon 
its sale to Edmund J. Ellis, it was continued with- 
out an editor in 1839, and, until it was sold to John 
Kershaw, in 1811, it was issued without an edito- 
rial, except as some partisan, able to write, would 
furnish it an article gratis. Kershaw edited and 
published it until, in June, 1841, he sold it back 
to E. J. Ellis, and then it was edited by G. W. 
Morgan, until, in 1815, it was sold to D. A. Rob- 
ertson, who after a short time resold it to Ellis, 
who continued its publication until its sale, in No- 
vember, 1817, to William Dunbar, who had asso- 
ciated with him in its publication for some six 
months George W. Armstrong ; and for the re- 
mainder of his time edited and x^^^blished it him- 
self, until, in December, 1853, he sold it to Leckey 
Harper, then of the Pittsburg Fost, who has since 
edited and imblished it. During Mr. Dunbar's 
management, a daily Democratic Banner was pub- 
lished in the Avinter of 1852 for thirty days. 

Upon the nomination of General Taylor for Pres- 
ident, in 1818, the editor of the Times refused to 
support the Taylor and Eillmore ticket, because 
Zachary Taylor lived South and owned slaves ; 
whereupon another printing-office was brought to 
Mount Vernon that should advocate Union prin- 
ciples, and, to distinguish it from the l)ogus article, 
it was styled The Mount Vernon True Whig, and 



KIS^OX COUl^TY. 255 

was published for seven years — edited during the 
campaign of 1848 by Joseph S. Davis, Esq. ; in 
1849 by John W. White, and the remainder of its 
existence by A. Banning Norton. With the ex- 
ception of a brief period, when it was i^ublished by 
Higgins and White, the foreman of the office was 
that excellent printer, George Smith, now in the 
Keokuk (Iowa) Daily Oate City. 

Eor three years Norton's Daily True Whig was 
published with the motto of Davy Crocket — " Be 
sure you're right, then go ahead ;" and having 
become satisfied in that time that this place would 
not sustain a daily, unless out of the pocket of the 
publisher, and hence that it was not " right" to 
continue it, in March, 1855, its diurnal appearance 
ceased. 

The motto of the True Wliig was taken from 
Washington's Farewell Address, and would in 
these times be somewhat original : — " Frown in- 
dignantly upon the first dawning of every attempt 
to alienate any portion of our country from the 
rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link 
together its various parts." It was adopted as ex- 
pressive of the determination to stand by the Con- 
stitution and the Union, and to oppose abolitionism 
and sectionalism of every form and description. 

Several short lived newspapers have made their 
appearance in the county within the past eight 
years, which, by being named, may be kept fresh 
in the memories of some of the people. They were 
the Bainhow, which was of the nature of the "Nash- 
ville, Bowling Green, Louisville Courier" of these 
war times — migratory in disposition, and altogether 



256 HISTORY OP 

fleeting. It was opened out at Mount Yernon by 
Rev. A. Laubacli, sojourned a while at Frederick- 
town where the Reverend editor was sokl by a vile 
acrostic ; then tarried a brief space at Belville, and 
the last heard of was among the Senecas, at the 
city of Tiffin ! The Lilly, which advocated short 
frocks and emigrated to the far west with Amelia 
Bloomer — the TJnwersalist Advocate at Centerburg, 
which Daniel Wolfe found must proclaim glad 
tidings to all j)eople without price, or not at all, 
and The Western Home Visitoi% which was too 
large for Mount Yernon and could not find a home 
at Columbus. After these came The National, 
when its publishers, Agnew & Raguet, found it 
without a nationality, and after three months search 
in the exciting times of 1858 it gave up the ghost ! 
The Knox County Express was started by Agnew 
& Tilton, in December, 1860, and is now published 
by O. M. Phelps & Co., and edited by Judge J. S. 
Davis. 

The Banner, Republican and Exj^ress are the 
papers published in Mount Yernon in July, 1862, 
and The Western Episcopalian at Gambier, in this 
county. The Episcopalian is devoted to the inter- 
ests of the Church, and of Kenyon College more 
particularly. It was first started as The GamMer 
Observer, upon the Acland Press, at Gambier, in 
1827, and has been continued from that time to the 
present under diiferent editorial and financial man- 
agers. George W. Meyers was for many years its 
publisher, and its present publisher is R. M. Ed- 
monds. It has been ably edited by Dr. Sparrow, 
Dr. Wing, Dr. Muenschcr, Dr. Colton, the Rev. 



KlfOX COUNTY. 257 

Xorman Badger, and George Deuison, and lias 
been favored with many very able articles from the 
pens of professors of the college and other friends. 

The first book printed in Knox county was " The 
American Revolution," written in scriptural, or an- 
cient historical style — "Honi soi qui mal y' pense." 
" Clinton, Ohio. Printed by Smith & McArdle at 
the office of The Ohio Begister, Year of our Lord, 
1815." 170 pp. And the second was "The Co- 
lumbiad, a poem on the American War, in 13 can- 
toes, by Richard Snowden." pp.38. The next waSi 
" James Smith's Vindication." 

There was also published at Tlie Oliio Register 
office "A caveat against the Methodists, by a Gen- 
tleman of the Church of Rome." I have not sent 
these Prophets, yet they ran ; I have not spoken 
to them, yet they prophesied. — Jeremiah, chap. 23, 
verse 21. 

C. & J. Colerick published a directory of Knox 
county, compiled from the tax list, and showing the 
value of every man in the county as listed for taxa- 
tion. 

In 1835, the Laws and Ordinances of Mount Ver- 
non were printed by the Day Booh office and bound. 
And in 1852 the Charter and Ordinances of Mount 
Vernon were printed at the True Whig office and 
bound, making a work of 50 pages. 

"An Essay on Justification by Faith, with par- 
ticular reference to the Theory of Forensic Justifi- 
cation, by Joseph Muenscher, A.M., Rector of St. 
Paul's Church, Mount Vernon, 1817." pp. 63. 

In 1858, John W. White published George Sey- 

17 



258 HISTORY OF 

monr, or Disappointed Revenge — a drama in 3 acts. 
88 pp. And the Book of Chronicles, hiunorously 
illnsti'ated, being a history of the dissensions among 
the harmonious democracy of Knox upon the Kan- 
sas question, written by Telcgi'aphic Inspiration ! 
pp. 32. 

Prom the Acland Press a number of pampUets 
and small works have been issued pertaining to 
Church and College affairs. Among others, Tissue's 
Grreek Eorms, a very valuable book, by one of the 
Professors. 

The Rev. Dr. Muenscher has now in press " A 
Commentary on the book of Proverbs," which will 
make about 400 pp. duodecimo ; and " A Treatise 
on Biblical Interpretation," 350 pp. duodecimo. 
We have seen a portion of the proof sheets of each — 
they are neatly executed, and from the acknowl- 
edged ability and learning of the author will be o^f 
much value. 

Our young friend Charles H. Scribner, Esq., has 
prepared for the press an excellent IVeatise on 
Dower — which will be a Law book of much size, 
and of very great value to the legal i)i'ofession and 
the public generally. 

The pioneers of the press in this count;v% who, a 
half century ago, spread the first information before 
the people in the columns of a paper, are both 
living, having passed the " three score years and 
ten allotted to man" — McArdle being almost a 
score over the time, and Smith over a century old. 
They are still hale and hearty, while the younger 
brothers of the press have not become " fat and 
forty;" and those who immediately succeeded them. 



KirOX COUXTT. 259 

have almost all passed to "that bourne from whence 
no traveler returns." Of the editors — Col. Charles 
Colerick, after having served a tour in the Texan 
revolution, and assisted in achieving, though he 
did not live to behold the recognition of her inde- 
pendence, is dead. Gen. William Bevans, after 
having served his fellow-citizens creditably in many 
official positions, has departed. Dan Stone, a quiet, 
unassuming man of much goodness of heart, died 
in this town, where his widow and two sons sur- 
vive. Dr. M. L. B-liss died shortly after he left the 
paper. James Harvey Patterson moved to West 
Union, Adams county, and, after the death of his 
wife, went South. John Thomas was a very sin- 
gular genius, well read, particularly in anatomy, 
geology, conchology, and herpetology et als. ologies, 
but was so much subject to the blues, or what he 
called "azure devils," as not to enjoy life; he would 
not drink out of a cuj) or saucer that had a flaw or 
crack in it, nor eat with a knife that he did not see 
scoured bright — consequently he worried himself 
out of the world before his time. W. H. Cochran 
and H. M. Ramsey died with the editorial harness 
on — the latter this spring — both much lamented 
by a large circle of friends, and their widows reside 
in Mount Yernon. S. M. Browning died at Bur- 
lington, Lawrence county, about 1852. Dr. Dyer 
resides in Iowa, Beznor in Illinois ; Harkness also 
is in Dlinois, where he is noted for liis large nur- 
series of excellent fruit trees ; Kershaw is an at- 
torney in Philadelphia, Pa. ; Morgan is a Brigadier 
General, with the army in Tennessee ; Bronson is 
in Boston, Mass., making blood-food for curing 



260 HISTOEY OF 

consumptives ; Robertson, after haying served as 
TJ. S. IVIarslial for Minnesota, settled down there 
in the practice of the law ; McNulty, the only ed- 
itor of the county sued for libel, from whom Elder 
Power recovered a large verdict, after having vol- 
unteered as a soldier in the Mexican war, died and 
was buried at Helena, Ark., by his brave comrades. 
Ellis had better have been dead than to have be- 
come a traitor to his country, and been driven 
beyond the lines. He was publishing the Boone 
County Standard, at Columbia, Mo., when he 
sinned against light and knowledge. Three of the 
old set — Smith of the Clinton Bcgister, Smith of the 
Western Aurora, and Korton of the True Whig — a 
few years ago found themselves residing in the 
same district in Texas. Two of them yet remain 
there, while the third is writing these lines, having, 
from love for the Constitution and the Union, found 
it necessary to seek once again the shores of Owl 
Creek. Such are life's changes. 



Kiirox COUNTY. 261 



OHAPTEE XX. 

EVENTS FROM 1820 TO 1830. 

White male inhabitants and voters at various election* witbiiv 
THIS TIME. — Some account of the finances and revenue. — The last 

OF THE INDIAN. A WARNING. — ThE OLD COURT-HOUSE FALLS, AND A 

NEW ONE IS PROJECTED. OtIIEB OCCURRENCES. 

The white male inhabitants of Knox county 
above the age of 21 in 1820, were 1290, located as 
follows : HiUier 21, Bloomfield 69, Morgan 152, 
MiUer 72, Jackson 178, Chester 122, Wayne 168, 
Morris 157, Union 141, and Clinton 207. 

The county gave its vote for Ethan Allen Brown 
for Governor ; John Sloane for Congress ; Wm. 
Gass for Senator; R. D. Simons for Representa- 
tive ; Wm. Bevans for Sheriff ; Abner Ayres for 
Commissioner, and E. G. Lee for Coroner. 

Among the orders issued by the county, June 
6th, 1820, were— 

No. 3928. Paying Moody &. M'Carty for articles 
furnislied Overseers of the Poor for 
the squaw that was shot $2.84 4 

" 3929. Hosmer Curtis and Mott for expenses in- 
curred for the sick squaw 1. 00 

" 3930. Jacob Martin, making coffin for squaw. - 6.00 

This, in the Indian line, is among the last known 
in the county. This squaw was of the Stockbridge 
tribo, and one of a small party who, in traveling 



262 HISTORY OP 

out of Licking connty, was espied and shot by 
Hughes, when near Homer, and in Morgan town- 
ship. Without j)rovocation or just cause, but sim- 
]3ly to gratify his priyate hatred of the Indian race, 
she was shot through the hip. Her comrades 
brought her on to Mount Yernon, where her suf- 
ferings became too great to admit of her being 
taken further. She was put in the old log gun- 
smith shop of John Earnhart, on High street, but 
the quarters being uncomfortable on account of 
cold N^oyember weather, she was moyed to an old 
log house on the north-west corner of Mulberry and 
Yine streets, and there died. True to the Indian 
stoicism she neyer groaned or complained, although 
her sutferings were intense. Eiye or six of her 
tribe staid through her sickness, and then buried 
her in the north-east corner of the old graveyard. 
For seyeral years afterwards her husband would 
return at the time of year when she died to yiew 
her graye and see that the body remained undis- 
turbed. 

Erom this same old log house, in October, 1826, 
a gun was fired which caused the death of Ben. 
Roberts. George Low then liyed in the house, 
and Jim Low was staying with him, when on 
Hallow Eye night, seyeral of the town boys were 
out throwing cabbages against the doors, as has 
from time immemorial been the custom, and as 
they threw against Low's door, Jim took down his 
rifle and fired between the logs, the ball lodging in 
Ben's leg. He was carried home, and, after laying 
for some time, it became necessary to amputate the 
leg, which was done one Sunday, and the next 



KNOX cou:^rTT. 



2G3 



afternoon at 1 o'clock lie died. Low was tried, and 
Sam Mott defended him, and lie was acquitted. 
This shooting affair caused ver}^ great excitement, 
and ever since, on the annual return of Hallow 
Eve, the old settlers rehearse this story to their 
children and grandchildren, as a warning against 
following this ridiculous custom of throwing cab- 
bage heads to the annoyance of quiet peo^^le. 

In 1822, the county gave majorities for Daniel 
S. Norton for Congress ; H. Curtis for Eei3resenta- 
tive; Wm. Bevans for Sheriff; John Kerr for 
Commissioner; W. Y. Farquhar for Auditor; 
James McGibeny for Coroner. 

In 1821, majorities were given for Jeremiah 
Morrow for Goyernor ; Wilson for Congress ; Col- 
erick for Sheriff ; Stilley for Commissioner ; Eig- 
don for Representatiye ; Eunyan for Coroner, and 
Earquhar for Auditor. 

In October, 1825, the jail built by Solomon Gel- 
ler is found according to contract, except " he is 
yet to put in a stove, and the door above going into 
the debtors' apartment." 

In 1826, the whole number of votes cast was 
1828, and tlie county gave majorities for Trimble 
for Governor ; Xorton for Congress ; Eobeson for 
Eepresentativo ; Colerick for Sheriff ; Eunyan for 
Coroner ; Elliott for Auditor ; Leonard for Com- 
missioner. 

At the June session, 1826, of the Commissioners, 
upon petition of Francis Wilkins and others, a 
road was ordered to be opened up Dry Creek, be- 
ginning on the farm of Daniel S. Korton, to inter- 
sect the old road on the corner of Frederick Carey's 



264 HISTORY OF 

orchard. Jonathan Miller, R. D. Simons and 
James McGlibeny were appointed viewers, and J. 
W. Warden, surveyor. 

On the 30th of September, the county jail is re- 
ceived in full satisfaction by the Commissi>oners. 
Wm. Bevans was allowed $5 for crying sale of the 
jail. 

VALUATION OF KNOX COUNTY IN 1826. 

Land, 301,095 acres, valued at $716,070 

Town property 81,362 

Mercantile capital 60,000 

Houses 26,340 

Hor&es, 2467 9S,6S0 

Cattle, 4483 35,864 

Total $1,018,376 

At this time Mount Vernon is stated as contain- 
ing 80 dwelling-houses, one printing office, a brick 
court-house and jail, a merchant mill, a saw mill, 
a cotton factory, and within six miles, 9 grist and 
saw mills and three carding machines. 

In 1827, Patterson and Smith, of The Western 
Aurora, published the Delinquent List for the or- 
dinary price, and refunded one-fourth of the whole 
amount for county use. 

In 1827, March 29, W. Y. Farquhar was " ap- 
pointed keeper of the Knox county standard and 
half bushel measure, and authorized to get a half 
bushel of copper !" 

Martin Tracy then gave bond as county Auditor, 
with John Troutmau, Solomon and Paul Welker 
as securities. 



KNOX COUI^TY. 265 

At tlie June Term it was ordered tliat the Aud- 
itor cause two blank books for county orders to be 
procured, and that 0. & J. Colerick print the same, 
and that the Auditor furnish six quires of paper 
for that purpose. 

At the December Term, H. B. Curtis' account 
for office rent and wood is allowed — office rent, 7 
months, |84 ; and Avood 3 winters for Recorder's 
office, $15. 

"OLD THINGS SHALL BE DONE AWAY WITH AND ALL BECOME 

NEW." 

October 18th, 1828, James McGibeny contracted 
with the commissioners to build a stone wall to 
support the Court-liouse bank, standing ten feet 
north and south of the Court-house. 

But all efforts to save it were unavailing : it had 
heen ^vrittGn, "CarfJiaffo dctenda est T and on the 
2d of December an order issued to B. S. Brown 
for $10, in consequence of the loss of his office by 
the fall of the Court-house. 

The Court-house was no sooner down than the 
commissioners ordered proposals to be published in 
the Standard and Advertiser, for the purpose of 
making donations for tlie building of a new Court- 
house, and for a plan of building, &c. On the 
20th of January, 1829, they agreed with Tliomas 
Irvine for his brick house for a court-house, at $25 
per term, in orders on the county treasury. In 
April, James Smith is notified by Marvin Tracy 
that the commissioners have obtained Thomas Ir- 
vine's bar-room for an office. The levy for taxes 
in Knox county, June, 1829, was IJ mills on the 



266 HISTOKY OF 

dollai", on tlic wliole yaluation of property in said 
county, for State purposes, and 1^ for canal pur- 
poses, making 3 mills upon the dollar for State and 
canal purposes ; and tlie commissioners, by and 
with the consent of the Judges of the Court of 
Common Pleas, leyied a tax of 3 mills on the dol- 
lar for county purposes, 1 mill for road purposes, 
and :| of a mill for school purposes ; one of the 
three mills shall be assessed and collected and ap- 
propriated for the building of the Court-house, and 
for no other purpose whateyer. 

At tlie June session, the following entry is made : 
" The account of James Smith, presented to the 
Board of Commissioners, for one year, from June 
1st, 1828, to June 1st, 1829, including the rent un- 
paid at last settlement, books and stationery for 
clerk's office, all of which was rejected by the 
Board. The charges for one year's fire-wood, which 
was $12. Prom wliich decision the said Smith 
l)rays an appeal to the Court of Common Pleas as 
to the fire-wood." That record is clear, is it nof? 
The resolutions of the commissioners, published 
in the /Standard and Advertiser, in reference to the 
building of a Court-house, represent that " they 
will meet on the 15th of July, for the purpose of 
receiying donations, &c. ; giying the public square 
$1,000 ; preference for location, &c. ; otherwise at 
any point in the town plat where $1,000 is sub- 
scribed," &c. On the 15th of July, the commission- 
ers met, and adjourned till the 21th of August, to 
receiye donations, &c., for new Court-house. 

On the 11th of September public notice is giyen 
in the Web-teru Aurora and in tlie Advertiser and 



KNOX COUNTY. 267 

Standard, of sale of contract to bnild a Court- 
house, to the lowest bidder, on the 5th of October 
next, &c. Peris Sprague is authorized to get E. G. 
Carlin, or some other person, to make and draft a 
plat for the same. This plan, as agreed upon, ap- 
I)ears on the journal, specifying that the building 
is to be erected on the west side of Main street and 
north side of High street, and that $1,000 is to be 
paid to the contractor on the 10th of Januar}', 
1830, and f 1,000 annually thereafter, and all orders 
to be expressly understood to be paid when due and 
presented. Edward G. Carlin is paid county order 
for $10, for making plat of new Court-house, and 
describing timbers, dimensions, &c. Richard 
House, for assisting Carlin in describing the plan, 
is paid |1 50. 

October 5th. The building of the Court-house 
is sold to John Shaw for $5,485, who enters into 
bond with Byram Leonard, Pliilo Norton, Charles 
Sager, Solomon Geller, Thomas Irvine and H. B. 
Carter, in the sum of $10,970. Such is the record 
of the second Court-house built in Mount Yernon, 
which stood on the public square until 1853. It 
was built of brick, two stories high, with a cupola, 
and a very imposing building in its time. It an- 
swered well its part for many years — may we not 
say for that generation, as almost all then upon the 
stage of action have passed " hence without day." 
The Supreme Court, District and Associate Judges, 
the Commissioners, Sheriif, Auditor, Assessor, 
Treasurer, Surveyor, and Coroner, the Contractor 
and his sureties— are all, all dead. Melancholy 



268 HISTORY OF 

is the reflection that few of the men, who flourished 
here only thirty-two years ago, now survive. 

In 1828, majorities Avere given for Campbell for 
Oovernor ; Stanbery for Congress ; Shaw for Sher- 
iff ; Colerick for Representative ; Tracy for Audi- 
tor ; Sprague and Beers for Commissioners, and 
jN^eal for Coroner. 

In 1829 the population of the county is stated at 
8,326. There were then eight post-ofiices, viz. : 
Danville, Darling's, Martinsburg, Mount Yernon, 
Miles M Roads and Sandusky M Roads in Chester 
townshij), Eredericktown and Houck's. 

The state of the County Treasury may be judged 
of from the following entry, June 7th, 1830: "Or- 
dered that the Auditor issue an order on the Treas- 
urer in ftivor of Daniel Converse & Co., for the 
amount of principal and interest due on a certain 
county order, payable to Solomon Geller, for the 
sum of |275, dated Eebruary 10, 1821, endorsed 
not paid for want of funds by the Treasurer when 
the said order shall be presented ;" thus paying 
an old order by issuing a new one. The original 
debt for building the flrst court house not having 
been paid until after the building itself had crum- 
bled and fallen, and the county was compelled to 
erect a new one. 

Artemas Estabrook is, at the same time, allowed 
an order for boarding, bringing up on Habeas Cor- 
pus and attending the Judges — Eli Losh — amount- 
ing to |11.60. 

C. G. Allen makes his escape from the county 
jail after his board bill had amounted to $8.05. 

In 1830, the county went for McArthur for Gov- 



KNOX COUNTY. 269 

ernor ; Stanbeiy, Congress ; Greer, Eepresentative ; 
N^eal, Slierifi*; Tracy, Auditor; McFarland, Asses- 
sor ; Low, Coroner ; Wilkins for Commissioner. 
The total vote cast was 2,086. 

During this decade the foundation was laid and 
the commencement made of that institution of learn- 
ing which has contributed so much to the advance- 
ment and prosj)erity of this county — Kenyon Col- 
lege. Under its appropriate head we have devoted 
a chapter to this subject, and hence will say no more 
here than has reference to the action of the County 
Commissioners on matters connected with it. On 
December 7th, 1829, the petition of Philander Chase 
and others was presented to the Board for the view 
of four roads . 1 . From the j unction of Wiggin and 
Gaskin streets towards James Smith's mill. 2. To 
Coshocton. 3. To Giilin's mill. 4. Around the 
foot of College hill south west to Frederick Roh- 
rer's tavern stand. The Commissioners ordered 
Thomas Griffith Plummer to survey ; and Jonathan 
Miller, Wm. Marquis and Joseph Critchfield to 
view. All of these parties are now dead. 



270 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XXI. 

LITERARY AND OTHER SOCIETIES. 

The wount veknon polemic society. — The thespian. — The library so- 
ciety. — The LYCEUM. — The franklin. — Mechanics.— Historical, and 

ITS LIBRARY. 

The first society of a literary character, estab- 
lished at Mount Yeriion, was the " Polemic So- 
ciety," in 1815, Avhich was kept up until 1817, and 
included among its meml)ers the more talkative 
and social citizens. It was converted into a Thes- 
pian Society and well sustained for many years. 
Theatrical performances were generally gotten up 
every winter, until about 1810, and w ere very credi- 
table to those concerned. The object was to spend 
the long evenings agreeably — not to make money. 
Lawyers, doctors, merchants and students lent a 
hand as occasion required. Among the active and 
valuable upon the boards were Dr. R. D. Moore, 
Philo L. Norton, Jacob B. Brown, Charles Sager, 
J. W. Warden, Wm. Bevans, Chas. Oolerick, B. S. 
Brown, T. G. Plummer, Jacob Pavis, S. W. Hil- 
dreth, Wm. Smith, S. W. Earquhar, Eli Miller, X. X. 
Hill, T. W. Rogers, Henry B. Curtis, Isaac Hadley, 
John Colerick, J. S. Banning, and Calvin Hill. 

The exhibitions were usually at the court house, 
or at the " Golden Swan Inn." The clothing, 
equipments and scenery, were of very rich mate- 
rial. One of the old actors says — "it was most 



KHfOX COUNTY. 271 

splendidly illustrated witli gorgeous paraliemalia 
in most profuse variety and transcends representa- 
tion." 

" The Mount Yernon Library Society" was formed 
in the year 1816. Auiono- the members of this 
association were Joseph Brown, Hosmcr Curtis, 
R. D. Moore, Gilman Bryant, Timothy Burr, Dan- 
iel S. Norton, John Warden, Samuel Mott. H. 
Curtis was its last Librarian. It had a very good 
collection of standard works, which, in the end, 
were di\idcd among its stockholders. 

" The Mount Yernon Literary Society" organized 
in the winter of 1821-2, by a number of young 
bachelors of the town, to wit : Dr. Norman Mur- 
ray, David Wadsworth, Henry B. Curtis, John W. 
Warden and James Beebee. Members subsequent- 
ly admitted — Benjamin S. Brown, S. Earquhar, I*"}". 
]Nr. Hill and Samuel B. Curtis. The organization 
existed for several years. The society fell through 
by reason of the young men becoming absorbed in 
the more active duties of life. 

" The Mount Yernon Lyceum," in 1830, was 
formed and well sustained for many years. At 
the session of the Legislature, 1833-1, it was incor- 
porated, and high hopes were entertained of its 
being a permanent organization. We have before 
us the inaugural address of Henry B. Curtis, Esq., 
delivered January 1st, 1834, in which he says : — 
" We have now assumed a different and more im- 
posing attitude. Having adopted a public charter, 
we from this time become a part of the history of 
the State. And let us at least hope that the account 
which its faithful pages may hereafter give of us 



272 HISTORY OF 

and of our transactions sliall be sucli as would not 
make us blusli, could we be permitted to see tliem." 
May the hope of President Curtis be gratified ; 
for, although the Lyceum has long since been con- 
signed to the "tomb of the Capulets," and the greater 
portion of his associates have departed hence with- 
out day, he yet lives to " be permitted to see" " the 
account which the faithful pages of history" — our 
history of Knox county doubtless predicted — " gives 
of its transactions." 

It was the best literary association and the 
longest lived ever in Mt. Vernon. It continued in 
successful operation until 1812, and numbered 
among its active members many of the best citizens 
of Knox. Its regular meetings were held at the 
court-house, and the public generally and ladies 
particular 1}^ attended its sessions. Literary essays, 
orations and discussions were the chief entertain- 
ment. 

Among the number of those who have died we 
may name Benjamin S. Brown, David Dunn, John 
A. Holland, S. W. Hildreth, M. A. Sayre, Daniel 
S. Norton, T. W. Rogers, W. A. Hoey, T. G. 
Plummer, and Dr. M. L. Bliss. 

Among those living in other parts, Wm. Byers, 
J. P. Kinney, J. 0. Hall, G. Hathaway, J. W. 
Chapman, H. Cm'tis, J. B. Poster, E. Sparrow, D. 
0. Dunlap. 

Among the survivors in this county are 0. 
Delano, M. H. Mitchell, J. W. Miller, Henry B. 
Curtis, EoUin C. Hurd, J. S. Da\is, J. K. Burr. 

The Lyceum established a very good library of 
several hundred volumes. 



KNOX COUNTY. 273 

In 1834, a "Meclianics' Society" was formed, 
wliicli continued till 1840, and enlisted J. B. Brown, 
G. 0. Lybrand, E. Ailing, D. McEarland, Abel 
Hart, and pretty mucli all tlie workmen in tMs 
vicinity. 

In 1839, a society called the "Eranklin" was 
organized for mental improvement, by John Lamb, 
Eobert Thompson, Ben. McOracken, W. H. Old- 
ham, Isaac J. Allen, W. P. GriflBlth, W. T. Curtis, 
B. S. Thomas, and others, which was well sustained 
for three or four years, and then went down. 

In 1850, Zoar Blair, Noah HiU, Eobert Thomp- 
son, Dan. Clark and Sam. Davis started the Me- 
chanics' Mutual Protection, which after two years, 
was merged in the Brotherhood of the Union, and 
continued till 1854. 

In December, 1849, several gentlemen of Mount 
Yernon set about getting up a Historical Society 
for Knox county, and in January, 1850, a consti- 
tution was drawn up and signed by Hosmer Cur- 
tis, Gilman Bryant, Josej)h Muenscher, M. E. 
Strieby, Jesse B. Thomas, James Scott, Daniel S. 
Norton, M. H. Mitchell, Henry B. Curtis, E. C. 
Hurd, E. E. Sloan, A. Banning Norton, C. P. 
Buckingham, G. W. Morgan, C. Delano, M. W. 
Stamp, Walter Smith, N. N. Hill, G. Browning, 
Matthew Thompson, J. C. Eamsey, J. N. Burr, 
S. Israel, J. W. Yance, W. H. Smith, J. C. Stock- 
ton, D. Potwin, J. W. White, J. H. Peacock, W. 
Beam, Samuel Mower and John W. Eussell. H. 
Curtis was elected President ; G. Bryant, Y. P. ; 
E C. Hurd, Treas'r ; Cor. Sec'y, Eev. J. Muen- 

18 



274 HISTORY OF 

seller, D.D.; Recording Sec'y? Rey. M. E. Strieby; 
Cabinet-keeper, K. R. Sloan. Among other stand- 
ing committees were tlie following: on Agricul- 
ture, M. H. Mitcbell; on Manufactures, Daniel S. 
^N^orton; on Mechanic Arts, 0. P. Buckingham; 
on Tine Arts, H. B. Curtis; on Education, E. R. 
Sloan; on History, R. C. Hurd; on the Medical 
Profession, J. N. Burr, M.D. ; on the Clerical Pro- 
fession, Jos. Muenscher, D.D. ; on Diseases, J. W. 
Russell, M.D. ; on Population, S. Israel; on Gen- 
eral Biography, A. Banning Korton; on Geology 
and Mineralogy, Prof. H. L. Thrall, M.D.; on 
Meteorology, Rev. Prof. Geo. Dennison; on Liter- 
ature, W. H. Smith. Twelve years have passed 
by, the society long since was numbered among 
the things that were — and this comes the nearest 
to being a report of anji^hing that yet has emana- 
ted from any of its members. Polio wing in its 
wake, however, is an institution which it is to be 
hoped will long continue in existence — "The Mount 
Vernon Libraiy Society," which has collected, 
through the instrumentality^ princix^ally, of the 
Rev. Dr. Muenscher, its learned Librarian, several 
hundred volumes of valuable standard works, and 
may serve as a nucleus for a future large collection. 
It was started in 1856, and its rooms are in Hunts- 
bery's building, Main st.. Mount Yernon, 



KI^OX COUKTY. 



275 



OHAPTEE XXII. 



HON. ANTHONY BANNING. 












276 HISTORY OF 

Among the old settlers whose names have figured 
conspicnoTisly in the history of Knox county, was 
Anthony Banning. Connected with the business, 
the growth and i)rosperity of the county at every 
period of its history after the first, and concerned 
as he was in various industrial pursuits, in com- 
mercial operations, in temperance movements, in 
church affairs, in political actions ; and as his name 
has been widely known in legal history, his mem- 
•or}^ is worthy of more than a passing notice. 
" Judge" Banning as he Avas called more frequently 
than "Parson," notwithstanding his monument 
states that he was a Methodist preacher sixty years, 
was horn in Talbot county, Maryland, and was the 
only son of James Banning, a proprietor of much 
consideration and influence, who had but two chil- 
dren, the son, James Mansfield Anthony Banning, 
and a daughter who married Benjamin Chew, of 
Philadeli^hia, Chief Justice of the State of Penn- 
sylvania, a lawyer of much distinction and a man 
of great wealth, who was a bosom friend of Wash- 
ington and whose family were his most intimate 

associates. 

His parents died when he was very young, and 
he was consigned to the care of an uncle, Henry 
Banning, a bachelor, who was a sea-captain and 
took Anthony with him several voyages. The 
family were members of the Episcopal church, but 
in his eleventh year Anthony joined the Metho- 
dists. When about sixteen he went to preaching 
as a circuit rider in Greenbrier, Yirginia, and the 
wilderness mountain region. In consequence of 
the great length of his name, and its inconvenience 



KNOX COUNTY. 277 

in writing, lie dropped a portion of it in early youth. 
He married Sarah Murphy, daughter of one of the 
first settlers on Bedstone, near Uniontown, Pa., 
who was also a native of the Eastern Shore of 
Maryland, and had been raised near Ellicott's mills. 
The children, by this marriage, were Sarah, wife of 
Daniel S. ^N^orton; Jacob M; who died in 1^35, and 
whose widow and children reside in Hardin county ; 
Rachel, wife of Eev. Elnathan Eaymond; James 
S.; Mrs. Mary Caswell ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Bronson; 
Priscilla, Mrs. Gray, and Anthony. 

After his marriage he settled in Eayette county, 
Pa., and resided for several years near Mt. Brad- 
dock and in Connelsville, where he preached the 
gospel, carried on a tanyard, kept a store, officiated 
as a justice of the peace, (from 1790 until 1799) 
traded in stock of every description, and navigated 
the western waters. 

During his residence in the Keystone State slave- 
ry existed there, and this good man thought it no 
sin to better the condition of negroes by holding 
them in bondage. Twenty-eight family slaves of 
the Maryland stock were thus held at his marriage, 
and he subsequently bought Hannah, Peter, Jim, 
Cass and George, in Virginia; and in moving west 
sold them to Daniel Bogers and Abraham Bald- 
win, two of the most respectable and worthy men 
in that country. 

In one of his trading expeditions on the western 
rivers he sold a load of goods to Ebenezer Buck- 
ingham, of Putnam, for the fine farm now occu- 
pied by Nicholas Spindler, Esq., in Howard town- 
ship. He made several trips up the Muskingum 



278 HISTORY OF 

with goods and wares from 1808 till he moved ont 
in 1812. After he had bonght lands in the county 
he traded a lot of iron, leather, saddlery, &c., to 
Samuel Kratzer, Esq., for the principal part of his 
interest in the town of Mount Yernon, and then 
took up his residence here. During his long abode 
he was engaged, as elsewhere, in a diversity of pur- 
suits ; and by reason of his remarkable energy, in- 
dustry, prudence and business tact, jJi'ospered in 
all and enjoyed, to a very great extent, the confi- 
dence of the people. He was for the greater part 
of his life concerned in merchandizing at Mount 
Yernon, Tymochtee, Danville, &c. — carrying on 
his mills at Clinton and his tanyard, farming exten- 
sively and preaching. 

His name is found as President of the first Clay 
meeting ever held in this county ; he Avas all his 
life an ardent admirer and friend of that great 
statesman and patriot. In principle, politically, 
he was a Whig — religiously, a Methodist — strictly 
moral and temperate — in all the relations of life 
a good example. 

He was honest and conscientious — liberal and 
kind hearted — determined and resolute — never dis- 
guised his sentiments or harbored unkind thoughts ; 
was not a fanatic in temperance, morals, politics or 
religion ; but by his well balanced mind and daily 
walk exerted a gi-eat influence for good. 

Among other public positions held by him was 
that of Commissioner to select the permanent seat 
of justice of Clermont county, under act of the 
General Assembly, January 25th, 1823, associated 
with John C. Wrii?ht, then of Jcfi'crson, and James 



Ki^^OX COUNTY. 279 

Clark, of Stark. He served as one of the Associ- 
ate Judges of this county from 1827 to 1834. 

In every public enterprise and work calculated 
to benefit the town, county and people he was ac- 
tive, liberal and useful. Among the many inci- 
flents of his life the following most clearly shows 
the liberality of his mind : In 1836 he set about 
erecting a church near his residence, and upon his 
own land. The neat brick edifice had been in- 
closed and about completed, when the Kt. Rev. 
Bishop Piu'cel visited Mt. Yernon for the first time, 
and there being no Catholic church the followers 
of that denomination, of whom there were but two 
or three families then in the place, to wit — David 
Morton's, Wm. Brophy's and Tim. Colopy's, re- 
quested the use of one of the churhes for the Bishop 
to hold service in on the forenoon of a certain 
Sunday. The favor was denied. An effort was 
then made to procure the use of the court house, 
and that too was refused. 

The writer, then a small boy, having heard the 
circumstances on his way home, stopped in at Judge 
Banning's and stated what had occurred, when he 
at once buttoned up his vest and coat, took his 
cane, went up to David Morton's, where the Bish- 
op was staying, and tendered the use of the Ban- 
ning Chapel for Catholic ser^^ice. The offer was 
most gi'atefuUy and graciously accepted, and* the 
first Catholic discourse ever delivered in this town 
was pronounced at the Banning Chapel. This, in 
the eyes of many bigoted and intolerant minds, 
was a verv ijreat sin; but the relisrion of Grand- 
father Banning was of that catholic sj)irit which 



280 HISTOEY OF 

enabled him to do acts of kindness and ponr ont 
heart offerings as becometh a true christian. And 
here we will record that this "bread cast ujion the 
waters returned again after many days" in like 
sj)irit. 

In Eebruary, 1844, Judge Banning was dro^vned 
in the dam of the Clinton ]\Iill Comj^any, when 
attemj)ting to cross upon the ice to his farm, after 
some infernal fiend had burned up the l^orton 
street bridge. His body was soon recovered and 
great efforts were made to resuscitate life, but in 
vain. He was in his 76th year, and remarkably 
vigorous and robust for one of his age. 

The Catholic sect having increased to a consider- 
able number, and having, by liberality of our citi- 
zens, erected a neat brick church, Bishop Purcel 
again visited Mt. Yernon to consecrate it — and 
most happily referred to the circumstances attend- 
ing his first visit and the charitable and brotherly 
kindness of Pather Banning, and devoutly offered 
up his supplications to the throne of mercy in liis 
behalf. The incident was a most affecting one, 
and the eyes of many were suffused with tears as 
their supplications were offered up. 



KJfOX COUNTY. 281 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Richland county during her tutelage. — Divided into two townships. — 
The earliest settljijrs. — Voters. — Officers and matters worth re- 
membering. 

In pursuance of our purpose, as expressed on 
j)age 26, we devote a few pages of our Mstory to 
the earliest matters of record on our journals in 
regard to Richland county. The Commissioners 
of Knox, on the 8th of June, 1809, declared the 
entire county of Richland a separate township, 
which shall be called and known by the name of 
Madison. At the present time a township of this 
name exists, and Mansfield, the flourishing county 
seat of Richland, stands therein. At the election 
of 1809, that whole region polled but 17 votes, and 
in the year following there were but 19 votes. The 
vote in October, 1811, for Representative, stood, 
Jeremiah R. Munson 11, "Wm. Gass 3; Sherifi", 
Ichabod Xye, 17; Commissioner, John Kerr, 17; 
Coroner, Dr. Timothy Burr, 17. The Judges of 
election in 1810 were James Copus, "Wm. Gardner, 
John Eoglesong; Clerks, John C. Gilkison, James 
Cunningham. In 1811, Winn Winship and John 
C. Gilkison, clerks, certify as to the full vote of 
Richland. Among the names of these early settlers 
will be found several with whom our readers were 
acquainted in the olden time ; we give them — 
Moses Adzet, George Ackley, the Baughmans, 



282 HISTORY OF 

Jacob and Jolin Coon, Andrew Craig, Thomas 
Coulter, James Black, Hugh and James Cunning- 
ham, John Crossen, the Gilkisons, the Gardners, 
the Hulls, Moses Eountain, the Lewisses, the Mc- 
Clures, the Murphys, the Newmans, Pearces, Oli- 
vers, Wm. Lockard, Jacob Shaffer, Joshua Rush, 
Sam. Martin, the Slaters, Zimmer^ans, John Wal- 
lace, Joseph Middlcton, James Hedges and Rollin 
Weldon. 

The first Justices of the Peace were Archibald 
Gardner, elected in May, 1809 ; Henry McCart, in 
1810 ; George Coffinbery and Peter Kinney, in 
1812 ; James McClure and Andrew Coffinbery, in 
1811. The whole return on the tax duplicate, in 
1811, was 73 horses, 121 cattle and one stallion, 
valued at $150, and taxed at $35. 

A rib is taken out of the side of Richland on the 
7th of January, 1812, as the following entiy on the 
Journal of the Commissioners explains : " Order- 
ed, that Madison township be divided as follows, to 
wit : The division line of the township should be 
one mile east of the center of the 17th range, in 
the lower township, and shall be known and desig- 
nated by the name of Greene." Brief entry that — 
is it not, for the formation of a township within the 
lines of which we now find the better part of Ash- 
land county and some of the best lands in Rich- 
land. Whether it was named after the Rev. John 
Green, who had just been licensed to marry, '' this 
deponent saith not," as the books show not, but 
we presume, as our people were eminently patriotic, 
that it was named after General IS'athaniel Greene, 
one of the heroes of our revolutionary war. The 



Kifrox cou:srTT. 283 

Moliican river passes through this township on its 
way to the Gulf of Mexico via the Walhonding, Mus- 
kingum, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In the olden 
time men did navigate this route, if we are to put 
imj)licit confidence in traditions of the dead past. 
We have a work published several score years ago 
which asserts that "it is na^igal^le (excej)t being 
obstructed by dams) most seasons of tlie year." 
Beaver dams, it is presumed, or some other dams, 
usually obstruct. The Judges at the first election 
were Melzar Tanneyhill, Isaac Pierce, Samuel 
Lewis, and the clerks Peter Kenny and Thomas 
Coulter. Melzar Tanneyhill received a $6 county 
order for listing this township. At the election 
April 6, 1812, at the house of Abraham Baugh- 
man, jr., Philip Seymour, Henry Seymour and 
Martin Bufner, whose adventures with Indians 
have since been so widely known, were among the 
voters. John Murphy, Henry Xaugh, John Pool, 
Wm. Slater, John Totten and Ebenezar Bice were 
other voters. Among the settlers, in 1814, were 
Josiah L. Hill, Trew Petee, Wm. Brown, John 
Shehan, Ahira Hill, Asa Brown, Jeremiah Conine, 
Lewis Crossen, Stephen Yanscoyos, l^oah Custard, 
David Hill, Moses Jones, Silvester Pisher, John 
Crossen, H. W. Cotton, Lewis Pierce and Adam 
Crossen. The poll-book for the township of Greene, 
in the county of Knox, October 13, 1812, " shows 
41 voters, but the names of Seymour and Bufner 
are lacking. The 14th of March, 1812, Knox Com- 
mon Pleas Court allowed Greene township three 
Justices. Perry ville was the principal business 
point, and the Browns W. & A. were the first mer- 



284 HISTORY OF 

chants, and for many years the leading business 
men. 

On the 10th of Ax)ril, 1812, a petition of citizens 
of Kichland was presented to the Commissioners 
of Knox for " a road beginning at the honse of 
James McOlnre in said county, and run the nearest 
way to a mill seat belonging to Amoriah Watson ; 
the same be granted, and Jacob Xewman, George 
Coffinbery and Wm. Gass were appointed Viewers, 
and W. Y. Earquhar Surveyor of the same." 

In February, 1813, Thomas Coulter, Wm. Gass 
and Peter Kinney were elected Associate Judges 
by the Legislature. Winn Winship, the first Clerk 
of the Court of Hichland county, wrote an excel- 
lent hand, and was a quick business man. Several 
of his certificates are on file in our Clerk's oflSlce, 
containing election returns, &c., with a hole cut 
through a piece of paper showing a wafer, the 
county having no seal. The entire vote of Kich- 
land, October 12, 1813, for Kepresentative was : 
Wm. Gass, 31 ; Sam. Kratzer, 14. 

Mansfield was determined upon as the seat of 
justice of the county, Aiu'il 2d, 1809, by Jno. Hecke- 
welder, John M. Council and Moses Ross, Com- 
missioners. Winn Winship was the first Post- 
master at the town ; and among the early tavern 
keepers known to our citizens was Capt. Sam. Wil- 
liams. Jabez Beers was appointed lister of this 
county in 1812. Until after the war of 1812, 
there was not much improvement in the county. 
A very large proportion of the early settlers were 
from Knox, and throughout our history the people 



KNOX COUNTY. 



285 



have been quite intimate, and lived together upon 
tlie most friendly terms. 

We have much material that we would like to 
present ; but as the history of our sister county and 
its affairs do not, from the period to Avhich we have 
carried this sketch, properly belong to our enter- 
j)rise, we close by giving a view of the Mansfield 
Eemale Seminary, whereof Eev. 0. S. Doolittle, 
A.M., and J. Lindly, A.M., are Principals ; and 
inasmuch as the former is a native of Knox, and a 
son of one of our ^Id teachers, it will not be 
thought out of place to say that here young ladies 
can acquire an accomplished education upon very 
reasonable terms. 




286 HISTOEY OF 



CHAPTEE XXTY. 

Some account of the towxships seveked from old knox. — Chestek, 
blooilfield and franklin. tueir history until morrow was cre- 
ATED. 

The territory of Kuox remained entire, notwith- 
standing extraordinary efforts had been made time 
and again to erect new counties, taking a part of 
her territory, until, at the session of the Legislature 
in 1848, Morrow was created — taking from Knox 
Chester, Eranklin and Bloomfield townships. 

Chester Township, the oldest of the three, was 
laid off by order of the Commissioners at their 
session April 10th, 1812. The first election was 
held at the house of Wm. Johnson, on the 25th of 
that month. The Judges of election this year were 
Josei)h Duncan, Henry George, Evan Holt ; Clerks, 
Wm. Johnson and Samuel Johnson. Rufus Dodd, 
first lister of taxable property, received a $3 county 
order for Ms services this year. In addition to the 
above-named, we find other early settlers to have 
been Ensley Johnson, John Walker, David Miller, 
John Parcels, Enos Miles, Robert Dalrymple, Isaac 
Norton, James and George Irwin, Joseph Howard, 
Bartlet Norton, and Daniel Kimbel. Moses Mor- 
ris, Henry George and a few other Welch families, 
were among the number of the best citizens of this 
township, and many of their countrymen located 



KNOX COUNTY. 287 

around tliem. The greater part of the original 
families were from l^ew Jersey. 

In 1813, at the October election, there were 
fifteen voters ; among them were Joseph, William 
and Uriah Denman, Sam'l Shaw and Ohism May. 
The vote stood, for Eepresentative, Gass 15 ; Com- 
missioner, Peter Wolf 9 ; Sheriff, John Hawn, Jr. 
13, Wm. Mitchel 2. 

The forks of Owl Creek passing through this 
townshij) afford several good mill-seats a durable 
power, and furnish the people with facilities for 
getting breadstuffs at their own doors. Their lands 
are generally rolling and very productive. The 
citizens have ever been distinguished for industry 
and thrifty management. In 1830, the poiiulation 
was 778 ; in 1810, it was 1,297 ; and in 1850, 1,620. 

Chesterville, the post-ofl&ce and business i^oint, 

was laid out by Enos Miles, deputy surveyor, . 

For many years the i)ost-office went by the name of 
Miles's X Koads, and the good tavernkeeper's name 
seemed for a long time likely to absorb the other. 
It was on the main thoroughfare from Mt. Vernon 
to Mt. Gilead, and on the old State road from 
Johnstown to Paris and ]N^ew Haven ; distant from 
Mt. Yernon 14 miles, from Predericktown 8, from 
Mt. Gilead 10, from Johnstown 23, and 30 from 
Paris. In 1830, it contained 250 inhabitants, 40 
dwellings, 5 stores, 1 tavern, 1 flour-mill, 1 saw- 
mill, 1 tannery, 1 church, and several mechanic 
shops. This village has ever been distinguished 
for the attention paid to schools, chui-ches, etc., and 
the general morality of its citizens ; of whom we 
may name the Shurs, the Bartletts, and Hance, 



288 HISTORY OF 

who have been heavily engaged in merchandise 
and trade, Abram King, Dr. Richard E. Lord, Dan. 
Miles and Judge Kinsel. 

Evan Holt, as a revolutionary soldier, served six 
years ; was a native of Chester, Pa., emigrated to 
this county in 1808, and lived for 39 years on land 
received for his services. He also was a pensioner 
until his death, in his 84th year, leaving a large 
family married and settled around him. Evan, 
Jr. was a great tighter — possessed of bone, muscle 
and ];)luck ; he fought in Morris township, about 
35 years ago, a fist fight Avith John Magoogin, 
where he displayed uncommon skill. They had a 
difficulty at a camp-meeting over the creek, on 
James Smith's farm, and then made up this fight, 
to come oif at the first big muster at the Cross 
Roads, by Wm. Mitchell's. A great crowd wit- 
nessed it. Magoogin was a stout and brisk man 
of much courage ; he died a soldier in the Mexican 
war. The fight was conducted fairly, and Magoo- 
gin carried the palm. 

The Dahymi^le family is one of the most re- 
spected, of whom Charles has long been a good jus- 
tice of the township. 

The poll-book of Chester in April, 1824, con- 
cludes as follows :—" We certify that John StiUey 
had 26 votes for Justice, Wm. W. Evans 26. De- 
cided by draught in favor of John Stilley. John 
De Witt, John Beebee, Jas. McCracken, Judges ; 
Enos Miles, Jas. E. Clapp, Clerks. We therefore 
do certify that John Stilley from Ai'rangements 
was duly elected a justice of the peace for Chester 
township, this 1st Monday, AprO, A. D. 1821." 



KNOX COUNTY. 289 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1812. Wm. Johnson. 1833. Enos Miles. 

1817. Rufus Dodd. 1836. " 

Joseph Denman. 1839. " " 

1819. W. Van Buskirk. 1836. Bjram Beers. 

1822. " «' 1839. " " 

1820. Enos Miles. 1842. 

Daniel Beers. 1845. " " 

1823. " " 1835. Henry De Witt. 

1824. John Stillej. 1838. " " 

1826. John Beebee. 1842. P. B. Ayres. 

1829. " " 1845. " " 

1832. " " 1843. Thomas Peterson. 

1827. Moses Powell. 1846. Davis Miles. 

1830. " " . 1844. Charles Dalrymple. 

1833. *' " 1847. " " 

FranMin, the most extreme townsliip in the 
north-west corner of "old Knox," before she was 
shorn of her fair proportions by the erection of 
Morrow, was first known December 3d, 1823, by 
being created and named after the philosopher, 
statesman and printer, Benjamin Franklin. The 
first election came off on the first Monday of April, 
1823, at the house of Thomas Axtell. The princi- 
pal place of business is Pulaskiville. 

Jamestown was many years ago a famous busi- 
ness place, projected by Allen Kelly, Esq., who 
emigrated from Northumberland county. Pa., at a 
very early day, and has ever been a prominent 
stock raiser and farmer. David Peoples, David 
Shaw, Wm. T. Campbell, Washington Strong, the 
Petersons, Hickmans, Blairs and Van Buskirks 
were among the early settlers. Of these Abraham 
Blair, of Perth Amboy, K. J., settled in 1811 upon 
the farm on which he died, in his 90th year, on the 

19 



290 HISTORY OP 

2d of October, 1846. He served as a minute man 
during the Revolutionary War, and participated 
in the battles of Trenton and Monmouth. , He 
was a good citizen, and much respected. Qii^^^^t^^ 

David Shaw served his fellow-citizens over 
twenty-one years as a Justice of the Peace, and 
was also Commissioner of the County nine years. 
He was a very clever, quaint old gentleman, whose 
name is ever associated Avith Eranklin township 
affairs. 

Colonel Strong was noted as a military charac- 
ter, and a democrat. His patriotic party ardor sus- 
tained Mm in walking all tlie way from home t^ 
the State Conventions at Columbus, and back 
again. And speaking of democracy reminds us of 
the zeal of Joshua Bickford, who, for many years, 
was one of the shining lights of Eranklin. One 
little incident is worthy of note. He was selected 
once upon a time as Chairman of a County Con- 
vention, and among other business was the appoint- 
ment of delegates to a district convention to be held 
at Johnstown to nominate a candidate for Congress. 
One of the legal gentlemen of the j)arty arose, and 
moved the appointment of a committee to select 
delegates to the Congressional Convention, &c. 
President Bickford j^ut the question — " Gentlemen, 
all you in favor of the motion just made about del- 
egates to the Congregational Convention will say 
aye." The gentleman who made the motion sprang 
to his feet somewhat excited, exclaiming, "The 
Congressional Convention," I said. " Exactly," 
said the President; "You've heard the motion, 
Gentlemen : the Congregational Convention I said, 



V 



KNOX COUNTY. 291 

and I say it again, and I know what Mr. M 



said, and what we all want — we want democrats to 
congregate at Johnstown, and it is a Conf/regaUonal 
Convention." Joshua was in earnest in whatever 
he undertook, and seconded by the efforts of Lieut. 
Bernard Eields usually carried his points. He was 
noted as tavern-keeper, merchant and horse-trader, 
and was always " bobbing around." 

In addition to the prominent citizens enumerated 
as having held official positions, we may mention 
the Swingleys, from Hagerstown, Md., Sam. Liv- 
ingston, Henry Weatherby, Anson Prouty, Wm. 
Paris, Wm. Gordon, Benjamin Corwin, Alex. Wil- 
son, Jonathan Olin, Wm. Lavering, Caleb Barton, 
H. P. Eldrige, C. Sapp, Wm. Linn, B. O. Pitman, 
David Ewers, Ebenezer Hartwell, B. and E. Lyon, 
Ben. Hathaway and Thomas Morrison. 

In 1830, Eranklin had over 16,000 acres of land 
upon the tax list, and the census then showed only 
800 inhabitants. In 1810, the inhabitants num- 
bered 1,343, and in 1850, 1,456. 

Upon the organization of this township, Wm. 
Van Buskirk, a Justice of the Peace within the 
territory, v*^ho had been re-elected in 1822, contin- 
ued the functions until again elected in 1821. In 
1821, John Truax was elected. In 1827, David 
Shaw was elected, and subsequently re-elected over 
and over again; and when the township was car- 
ried into Morrow county, it took the old Justice 
along to keep it straight. H. W. Strong was elected 
in 1831, and re-elected in 1837. Wm. Yan Bus- 
kirk was elected in 1810, re-elected in 1843, and 



292 HISTORY OF 

again in 1846 ; and dtu'ing his term of service the 
connection with Knox was severed. 

Bloomfield Toicnship was created June 23d, 1817, 
and received its name in this wise : Several of the 
settlers were at the house of Sheldon Clark early 
in the Spring, talking about the new township, 
when John Blinn called attention to the coming 
of flowers upon the beautiful mound that they 
stood upon, and suggested that, as the field was in 
bloom, it should be called Bloomfield, which was 
accordingly done. 

Benjamin H. Taylor was the first lister of prop- 
erty for taxation and made his return June, 1818, 
receiving an order for $5 for his services. 

The family of Artemas Swetland emigrated to 
this State in 1808, and in 1812 located in this part 
of the county, where their name has ever since 
existed. 

The next earliest settlers were the Clarks, Walker 
Lyon, Preston Hubbell, Seth N^ash, John Helt, 
Wm. Ayres, John Blinn, Dr. Bliss, Samuel Whit-- 
ney, LuciusjFrench, Stephen Marvin, Samuel Mead, 
Lemuel Potter — all industrious and substantial men. 
The Clarks — Boswell, Sheldon and Marshal, were 
sons of Daniel Clark, of Kew Haven co., Ot. 
Lyon, Hubbell, Kash, Whitney, Prencli, Marvin 
and Mead, were also from that county. Helt and 
Ap*es were from Washington co., Pa. 

The first post office established was called Clark's 
H Boads, at the intersection of the road from 
Johnstown to New Haven with the road from Mt. 
Yernon to Delaware — a central point — being 13 
miles from Berkshire, Mt. Yernon, Chestervijle 



KIT ox COUITTY. 293 

and Johnstown. The post office was subsequently 
styled Bloomfield. 

The next was Sparta, upon the old State road 
from Mansfield via Frederick to Sunbury and Co- 
lumbus. It is considerable of a blading point. 
From 1840 to 1850 much mechanical and manu- 
facturing was carried on. Benjamin Chase erected 
quite a large woolen manufactory and ran it for 
several years ; upon his death the works stoj)ped. 
Charles Osborne was the last at the business ; he 
moved to Mt. Gilead and has since gone west, some- 
where. Elisha Cook now operates a steam saw 
and grist mill in the old factory buildings. 

In 1817 there were only 16 voters. In 1840, the 
population had increased to 1,252; and in 1850, 
1,395. 

Of the first settlers Sheldon and Eos well Clark, 
Walker Lyon, Stephen Marvin, Samuel Mead, A. 
W. and Giles and E. M. Swetland are yet living. 

Roswell Clark came to the country in 1816, with 
his wife. They have had three children — Daniel, 
now in Xenia ; Eliza man-ied John Barr, in Bloom- 
field ; Rev. Wesley died at West Liberty, two years 
ago, aged 46 years. He was a preacher of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and a man of much 
worth ; his widow and children live in Bloomfield. 
Sheldon Clark was married when he emigrated, in 
1819, and has two daughters — Yictorine P., mar- 
ried Eloyd Sears ; and Rebecca Jane, C. B. Jack- 
son. Preston Hubbell is dead, and his three chil- 
dren are in the west. Lucius French is dead ; his 
son, Andrew, and daughter, Emeline,live in Bloom- 
field. 



294 HISTORY OP 

Jolin Helt survives witli two children — Casper, 
a son, in Bloomfield ; and Lafayette, a soldier in 
the army. Wm. Ayres is dead, and left no chil- 
dren. Walker Lyon, in his 73d year, is in Bloom- 
field with his son. Smith. He has two daughters 
living — Harriet, wife of Rowland Rogers ; and 
Sally Jane, wife of James Howe, of rredericktown. 
Samuel AYliitney died leaving two children — 
Wheeler, in Bloomfield ; and Samuel, near Berk- 
shire. Seth Nash is dead, and his children, three 
in number, are in the west. Artemas Swetland is 
dead ; his three boys — Augustus W., Puller M., 
and Seth, and his daughter, Mrs. Wm. Shurr, are 
living. Lemuel Potter moved into Bloomfield in 
1819 from southern Ohio ; he is dead, and left eight 
cliildren — Cassandra lives in Bloomfield, Lemuel, 
jr., in Urbana, and two of the boys are doctors in 
Wayne. 

Among the early items of this township was the 
separation of a man and wife, by public notice 
given, as folloAvs : "By mutual consent James C. 
and Rebecca Wilson, of Bloomfield township, Knox 
county, have this day (Oct. 21st) agreed to dissolve 
as being man and wife." 

Stej)hen Marvin is living. He had three chil- 
dren ; two survive — Charlotte, widow of Wesley 
Clark ; and Eliza, wife of Dr. Page. 

The first brick house in this township was built 
in 1823, by Roswell Clark, a two story building in 
which he has so long resided. The first frame 
house was the two story frame in which Sheldon 
Clark resides, built in 1828. Prior to these houses 
they, like other settlers, lived in log cabins. The 




KNOX COUNTY. 295 

Olarks burnt the first lime in this township on log- 
heaps. The price then was fifty cents per bushel 
unslackcd — just double the present rate. Since 
that they have burnt many kilns, and made their 
support and fortunes. Eor many years they fur- 
nished the greater part of the lime used at Mount 
Yernon for building and other purposes. 

Among the objects of sympathy, at an early day, 
was Samuel Collinfare, a poor little hunchback and 
ricketed spinner, who traveled from house to house 
and spun for the citizens. He was a native of the 
Isle of Man, and made his first appearance about 
1819. The dwarf never would work for wages, but 
for clothes and food — was good society— -well in- 
formed, and ever cheerfully greeted where he called. 
A few years since E. W. Cotton, obeying the 
prompting of a generous heart, erected a monument 
in the burying ground to mark the spot where his 
mortal remains were laid. 

The first churcli in this township was the Metho- 
dist Episcopal, at Bloomfield, on Clark street, as it 
is called ; it was erected in 1839. The next Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church was built at Sparta in 1846. 

In 1816 the Cliristian Church was put up in 
Sparta. These churches are frame buildings. The 
first preacher in the township was Thomas Kerr, 
Methodist. A good man — long since departed. 

About 1817 Rev. Cooper, Methodist, ofiiciated 

in the toAvnship ; he is also dead. They were both 
local preachers. 

The Rev. Britton, about 1817, preached the 

Christian or Campbelite doctrine. Rev. James 
Smith, about the same time, was a voice crying 



296 HISTOKY OP 

aloud in tins wilderness the same gospel truths. 
They also have j)assed hence. 

In 1850 the Wesleyan Methodists erected a small 
church about one and a half miles west of Sparta, 
at which the noted Edward Smith preached until 
he died at Harmony in 1859 ; his body was inter- 
red in the Bloomfield burying ground. The present 
preachers are John T. Kellum and Wm. Conant, 
Methodist Episcopal ; Rev. Bainam, Wes- 
leyan Methodist. The last Christian minister was 
the Rev. J. W. Marvin. 

The Rev. Cleaver, a Cumberland Presby- 
terian minister of Bellville, occasionally holds forth 
in this township. 

The first white person to die in Bloomfield town- 
ship was Marshal Clark, brother of Sheldon and 
Roswell, who died in 1816. 

Bloomfield deserves more than a passing notice 
for the respect shown to the dead. The cemetery 
is a sacred spot — neat and tastily kept. It is one 
mile north of Clark street, and contains many neat 
and costly monuments. 

The trustees of the township have, from its first 
selection, had its keeping in charge, and they de- 
serve credit for its management. 

The first store in this townsliip was kept by 

Carpenter. The second bj^ Dr. A. W. Swetland, 
who is yet in business at Sparta. 

The other parties selling goods at Sparta are 
Chase & Co., the brothers Wm., John & E. Byron, 
L. Swetland, and Antipas Dexter ; and a stock of 
goods is kept at Bloomfield by Mann Lyon. 



KNOX COUNTY. 297 

Among the residents of Bloomfield are the Con- 
ways. Widow Charlotte Conway, who . died in 
1859, moved from Eauquier co., Ya., with her sons 
Joseph, Wm. and John. Joseph married a daugh- 
ter of Wm. Sanford in 1842 ; Wm. lives near Mt. 
Liberty, and John in Knox co., Missouri. The 
Manvilles, the Barrs, the Sanfords, Lovelands, Shel- 
dons, Burkholders, Searses, Ashleys, Craigs, Throck- 
mortons and Higginses, are also among the well 
known names. 

The Cottons were among the early settlers and 
as such deserving of notice at our hands, more espe- 
cially since the name continues in the county and 
is familiar to our people. Harris W. Cotton, one 
of the commissioners of Eayette co., Pa., entered a 
section of land in Bloomfield, and upon his return 
home, while preparing to move, died. His sons, 
Emmet W. and Harris, brought out the mother 
and family. The old lady died in Union county 
in June, 1851, of cancer. The children were ^^ancy, 
wife of James Thompson, in Milford; Mary, wife 
of Michael Cramer, in Union county ; Painelia, 
wife of Elijah Crable, in Liberty ; John W. in 
West Brownsville, Pa. ; Harris W. who died in 
Liberty in 1835, Emmet W. in Mt. Yernon ; Louisa, 
wife of Thomas Merrill, who died about 1852 in 
Columbus, 111. ; Charlotte, wife of Bobert Butler, 
who also died in Hlinois ; and Elizabeth, first wife 
of M. Cramer, who died in Clinton township about 
1833. The main dependence for errands and chores 
of the family, in early times, was Emmet, who has 
often carried two bushels of wheat on horseback to 
Mt. Yernon and exchanged it for one pound of 



298 HISTORY OF 

coffee. At that time the only improvements on the 
road to jSTorton's mill were, first, a little clearing of 

Higgins ; the next at the old Norton farm, 

now owned by Erazier ; the next at Chapman's ; 

next an old cabin, on the Gotshal place, where 

Wolford lives ; and these were all on the now 
thickly settled road from Bloomfield to Mt. Yernon. 

Idon Y. Ball, born in Brownsville, Pa., in 1^05, 
married Catharine Woods, of that place ; moved 
to Bloomfield in Sept., 1841, and settled on the 
place he has since resided upon. He has had one 
daughter and eight sons ; six of his boys now sur- 
vive. Eor twenty years he has been engaged in 
farming and entertaining the public. Many a 
wayfaring man has fared sumptuously at his stand, 
and many have been the happy parties of pleasure- 
seekers from Mt. Yernon and other points, who 
have been liospitably entertained by Mr. Ball and 
his excellent lady. 

William McKinstry and John Brocaw are among 
the prominent farmers of Bloomfield, both from 
Hunterton county, New Jersey, and came to Knox 
county with the family of Matthias McKinstry, in 
1831. 

John Lineweavcr came in 1827, and still lives in 
it, with a considerable family. Harvey Lounsbery 
is another old settler. Antipas and Chauncey 
Dexter, good millwrights, are also among the pres- 
ent inhabitants. 

Thomas Osborne and his wife Olive, emigrated 
from Rhode Island in 1818. He died in 1853, in 
his 74th year ; she is at the old homestead, in her 
74th year. They had nine children. Those now 



KKOX COUNTY. 299 

living are all in Bloomfield, but Orilla, wife of 
Jesse Severe, in Liberty. John H. married Kancy 
Severe ; James M., Sopliia Thatcher ; Amanda is 
the wife of David Oovle ; Sarah Ann the wife of 
John Diistin; Wm. I^. married Harriet Dustin, 
and George E., Purilla Eoberts. The old gentle- 
man had been a sailor and soldier, and did good 
service in his day and generation. 

Samuel Westbrook was a good rough carpenter 
and joiner; he moved to Michigan, and is now 
dead. Tlie Westbrooks were among the old set- 
tlers of this township ; none of the name now live 
in Knox county. 

An aeronaut, by the name of E. H. Westbrook, 
met with a terrible end on the 4th of July, 1862; 
There was a large concourse of people at Sparta, in 
commemoration of the national anniversary, who 
were addressed by Rev. Mills Harrod, W. L. Bane, 
and A. Banning Norton, and at 5 o'clock P. M., as 
previously announced, a balloon went up with 
Westbrook to the distance of perhaps live hundred 
feet, when it burst in pieces and fell to the earth, 
killing the reckless navigator. It was a miserable 
rotten old fabric, and was the most foolhardy 
operation we have ever witnessed. About three 
thousand people were estimated to have been 
present, witnessing the sad termination to an 
otherwise joyful occasion. What a sudden transi- 
tion from life to death ! Within five minutes of 
the time he ascended, waving his hat amid the 
hurrahs and shouts of the peojile, he fell a corpse, 
leaving a wife and several children to mourn his 
exit. For their benefit B. L. Swetland at once 



300 



HISTORY OF 



started a subscrij)tion, which was liberally responded 
to by good citizens. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



June 23d, 1817, the Court of Common Pleas 
allowed Bloomfield one justice, to be elected at tl e 
house of Timothy Smith, and Matthew Marvin 
was chosen in 1818. 



1819. 


Walker Lyon. 


1824. 


James Thompson. 


1822. 


<( <( 


1827. 


R. Clark. 


1820. 


John Manville. 


1833. 


James Thompson. 


1823. 


Stephen Dodd. 


1837. 


John Beebee. 


1824. 


David Bliss. 


1840. 


U (( 


1827. 


John Manville. 


1S36. 


James Shumate. 


1830. 


<( (< 


1844. 


Jacob J. Thompson 


1834. 


David Bliss. 


1846. 


Wheeler Ashley. 


1837. 


(< >( 


1848. 


Charles M. Eaton. 


1840. 


(( <( 






1843. 

1846. 


Jared Irvine. 







Kl^OX COUNTY. 301 



CHAPTER XXy. 

StCHAMOEB — AND THE TWO LAST SYCHAMORES. 

" September 4:tli,1815, on x^etition, Morgan town- 
ship is divided and the east part of it is placed into 
a township called Sychamore." Such is the brief 
entry upon the journal showing a name now un- 
known. 

On the 15th of September, 1815, an election was 
held at the school house, in the township of Sycha- 
more, for the purpose of electing three Trustees and 
a Township Clerk. Jacob Simons, William Clay- 
pool and Jonathan Hunt, sr., were the Judges, and 
John H. Simons and Alpheus Chapman, Clerks. 
William -Bair, Jonathan Hunt, jr., and Lemuel 
Chapman were elected Trustees and John Mott, jr., 
Clerk. 

At the election on the 10th of October 17 votes 
were cast, and among the number we find Eiverius 
Xewell, Otis Warren, Samuel Rowley, Gideon 
Mott, Riverius Xewell, jr., Aaron Hill, Abner Hill, 
Alpheus Chapman and James Miller. 

Of these parties but two now live, viz : Aaron 
Hill and Jonathan Hunt; both over fourscore 
vears on earth. 

The name of Sychamore, as a Township, is known 
to scarcely a man in the county at this time. When, 
or how it came to be lost the records give no infor- 
mation, except in the little extract at the head of 



302 HISTORYOF 

this page ; there is no mention of it on official 
records. 

Of Jas. Miller's family — J. W., the old merchant 
in Mt. Vernon, who married Mary Bryant ; Madi- 
son, of Miller, who married Mary Harris ; Henry 
H., John E., Dr. Yolney and Dana, were the boys. 
Mrs. Rosannah Sanford, Mrs. Harriet Knox, Mrs. 
Sally Sanderson and Mrs. Lncinda Ellis are living, 
and Mary is dead. The Ohapmans, Motts, War- 
ren, Bair, Simons, Claypool and iSTewell, have not 
one of their blood within the county limits. In 
1812 Eivcrius Newell and Aaron Hill were black- 
smiths in Mt. Vernon. 

Jonathan Hunt, born in Somerset co.,l!^. J., Oct. 
23d, 1780, moved from Western Virginia to this 
county in 1806, and settled where he now lives. 
He learned the trade of wagon making of his 
father, and also worked as a gun-smith, and at this 
day Avorks at the latter branch. After he located 
he did much work for the Indians, until the war 
broke out. In August, 1812, he started with the 
troops, under Maj. Kratzer, for the frontier, and 
upon reaching Mansfield was set to repairing guns 
with Andy Blair, from Belmont co., at f 1 each per 
day and regular soldier's pay. They put up a little 
shop at Beum's mill, on the Kocky Eork of Mo- 
hican, and he recollects that Rufner called to see 
him the morning of the day that he was killed by 
the Indians. He was working there when Oopus' 
family was attacked and Copus killed. After three 
weeks work he rejoined the company, and contin- 
ued with them until discharged. When he first 
settled in this county he went to Bowling Green, 



KNOX COUNTY. 303 

below IN^ewark, and bought grain and got it chop- 
ped there ; and he afterwards went to Kerr's mill 
with his grist. When he moved here he had but 
one child, and his wife has had 11 cliildren — four 
of whom are living in Pleasant township, and one 
in Illinois. In 1822-3 Jonathan lived in Mount 
Yernon and worked at wagon and plow making, 
&c. His wife, Honor Wells, born in Washington 
CO., Pa., and of the old Wells and Hodridge fam- 
ilies so widely known, is yet living in her 79th year. 
Aaron Hill was born near Boston, Mass., emi- 
grated to this county in 1811, and shared in the pri- 
vations and toils of life in a new country. During 
his long residence he has worked as a carpenter 
and joiner, a blacksmith, and a farmer, and has, 
with true Yankee instinct, lent a hand at whatever 
work the wants of the country required. At the 
advanced age of 81 years he resides in Mt. Yernon, 
spending the evening of a well spent life in the so- 
ciety of friends. Of his family of five, Korman ]N. 
is the sole survivor. These twain — the last of the 
Sychamores — may their days be many in the land 
they sought out more than a half century ago. 



304 * HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XXYI. 

MIDDLEBURY TOWNSHIP. 

On tlie 3d of December, 1823, this township was 
established, imd the first election was held at the 
house of Luther Bateman, in April, 1824. It is 
now the north-west corner of Knox, and on the 
score of improvement, the beauty of the country, 
and the intelligence of its inhabitants, ranks first. 
Its principal settlers at every period have been 
Friends, from Maryland and Virginia ; and the 
influence of the Quaker element has been highly 
salutary. The increase of population and wealth 
has been steady. In 1830 the inhabitants num- 
bered 705, and the amount of land returned for 
taxation was 13,000 acres ; in 1810 there were 1,002 
inhabitants ; in 1850, 1,092 ; and in 1860, 1,040. 
The villaares of Batemantown and Waterford are 
points for trading operations ; the latter is quite a 
thriving little town, having the advantage of miUs 
in its neighborhood. Here Josiah Eawcett and 
John Lavering for many years were rivals in busi- 
ness, competitors for the post-ofiice, and the promi- 
nent men of their respective i)arties. When the 
Whigs were in power, Josiah held the post-ofiice ; 
and when the Democrats ruled, he was out and 
John in. The post-office and its name were mooted 







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KNOX COUNTY. 305 

points in Middlebury. The Laverings were old 
settlers of this section. Of the old stock, Daniel 
and Mary were here in 1813 ; she died October 24, 
1816, aged 85. Several of the name are in the 
county at this date ; John is yet selling goods at 
Waterford. 

Samuel Wilson and Thomas Townsend emigra- 
ted frcmi Erederick, Md., in 1808. The former is 
dead, and his son Joseph resides in Indiana ; the 
latter died March 18, 1859, aged 78, on the farm 
where he had resided over fifty years. Amos and 
Wm. Farquhar were early Maryland emigrants, 
and David and Robert Ewers from Virginia. The 
Wrights and Lmyises, David Eaves, Jacob Zulman, 
Samuel Willett, the Comforts, Jesse Yore, Jesse 
Stevens, the Batcmans, the Cravens, the Wagoners, 
the Grahams, the Eiddlers, the McPhersons, the 
Van Buskirks, tlic Wal torses, have been long resi- 
dents of this townsliip. Josiah Eawcett, the old 
merc]iant, is in partnership with his son, in a store 
in Fredericktown. 

Among the citizens of this part of the county in 
1819, were William Watkins, from Stoney Creek, 
Somerset county. Pa. ; Warren Owen, from Ver- 
mont, who emigrated about 1817 ; Philo Doolittle 
'^ and Zebulon Ashley, also from New England. 
Asahel Ashley, only son of Zebulon, is living in 
Missouri ; and his son-in-law, Frisbce Owen, also 
lives there. 

Charles Strong emigrated from Frederick county, 
Md.; he died in 1850. Mrs. Strong is living. Of 
their eight children, the following survive : G. W. 
20 



306 HISTORY OF 

and Lewis, at Eredericktown ; John W., sheriff of 
Richland county ; Peter, station agent, Bellville ; 
and Mrs. Mary Parke, of Mt. Yernon. 

The Denman family is one of the oldest and best 
in Middlebnry and Chester. James Johnson, the 
old Justice, died a few years ago, leaving a consid- 
erable family in this township ; his son Orlin is a 
prominent citizen. Lawrence Van Buskirk is an- 
other noted citizen, having served as State Senator. 
James Martin and his family have long occupied 
a front position among the good citizens ; he has 
lived in the county since 1811. 

Jacob Ebersole was an eccentric old settler, of 
miserly disposition, who lived close and mean to 
accumulate money to look at. After his death, 
over $2000 in coin was found hidden away by him 
— some under an old anvil block in a smith shop, 
and another lot in an old chest, under some rub- 
bish. 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

The first Justice in 1821 was James Johnson, 
who was regularly re-elected and served until 1818. 
The second was James Graliam, elected in 1831, 
and served three terms. In 1812 Stephen McPher- 
son was elected, and re-elected in 1815. Ezra 
Marvin and John W. Loofborow were elected in 
1818, and re-elected in 1851 ; G. Wash. Ewers and 
Thomas Craven in 1852 ; Daniel Ayres in 1855 ; 
and at the same time J. D. Burke, who was re- 
elected in 1858, and again in 1861 ; Isaac Lynde 
in 1858, and re-elected in 1861. 



k:]s^ox county. 307 



CHAPTEE XXYII. 

BERLIN TOWNSHIP. 

This township received its name from some of 
its earliest settlers having emigrated from Berlin, 
Connecticut. It was created March 9th, 1825. 
Stephen Cole proposed the name. Among the first 
voters were A. H. Royce, Ed. Richardson, the 
Markle} s, George Wolford, James Traer, John 
Brown, Sr., Jno. C. Brown, John and Peter Kere- 
gher, Ered. Ogg, Jeremiah Brown, Eichard and 
Asael Roberts, John Long, Jacob Leady, Joseph 
Lane, Daniel Hedrick, the Joslins, and John 
Moltzbaugh. 

Palmyra, dm*ing the days of our vassalage to 
stage and wagon transportation, was its sole town, 
and for many years a noted place of refreshment 
for man and beast, voyaging by mud or snow from 
Mt. Yernon to Mansfield. Since the construction 
of the railroad, it has dilapidated. 

The township in 1830 had 520 inhabitants, and 
11,671 acres of land were entered on the tax list, 
at a value of |34,721. In 1810, the population 
numbered 1,100; in 1850, 1,156; and in 1860, 
1,012. 

. Ankenytown, or " Squeal," as it is more com- 
monly called for the sake of euphony, is noted from 
the fact that when the steam-horse first made his 



308 HISTORY OP 

appearance there, his " squeal " so terrihly alarmed 
the natives that they came out armed capapie with 
gnn and blunderbuss to capture him, and some 
worthy German denizens attempted to stop his 
travel on the iron track by tearing up the rails ; 
the history of which fully and at large appears in 
the records of Knox Common Pleas. 

Shalerville, so called from Shaler's Mills, is quite 
a trading point, where Henry W. Glreggor officiates 
as Postmaster and Merchant. 

Among the earliest settlers in this township were 
the Robertses, Richardsons, Wrights and Ear- 
quhars — all Priends, and from Maryland ; the 
Browns, Pinkie} s, Leedys, Hcdricks, Coles, Wm. 
Van Home, Peter Wolf, David McDaniel and 
Henry Markley, an intelligent Pennsylvania Ger- 
man, and his brother-in-law, Michael Harter. 
Markley had been a merchant, and was a quick 
and sprightly business man, and hence was selected 
for one of the lirst Commissioners. He was gen- 
erous, and well liked by the people. 

John Lewis and his family, Quakers, were here 
in 1808. November 14th, 1857, John, Jr., died. 
Casper Fitting, in 1808, lived with his family on 
the place, since known as the Harter stand. He is 
dead, and his sons, Frederick and Solomon, are liv- 
ing ; the former a successful merchant at Bellville. 

The Harters are worthy of s^^ecial notice. Their 
tavern, at an early day, was the best in northern 
Ohio. The old peoj)le were kind and hospitable, 
and the society of the amiable Miss Christina made 
it uncommonly interesting for sleighing and other 
parties. The fame of Aunt Christina's cookery, 



KNOX COUNTY. 309 

pronounced by connoiseurs tlie best, caused travel- 
ers to ride long miles after night to get there. The 
Harters moved to Canton, where some of their de- 
scendants reside. 

In 1849, a Postoffice was established at the resi- 
dence of Richard Roberts, Esq., called " Maple 
Grove," and he was appointed Postmaster, and con- 
tinued as such till 1860, when it was discontinued 
by his request. 

Among the present settlers, we find Joseph 
Baker and wife, who emigrated from Virginia in 
1819, the Elliotts, Joel and Amos, the Gibsons, the 
Eoots, the Dennises, and the Loves. Amos H. 
Royce, the first Justice, is yet living in the enjoy- 
ment of health and plenty. We can not but com- 
mend the character of Henry Miller, Esq., the up- 
right man ;. Alexander Menzie, the energetic old 
Scotchman ; and others we might name, had we 
the space. 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1821. Amos H. Royce was elected, and re-elected in 1824, '27, 

'30, '33. 

1823. Richard Roberts. 1848. George Shaffer. 

1836. Elijah McGregor. 1849. Gideon Elliott. 

1836. George Aukenj. 1850. Joseph Ankeny. 

1839. " 1853. " 

1842. " 1852. Michael Hess. 

1838. Alex. Menzie. 1855. J. C. Auten. 

1838. J. N. Richardson. 1856. Alfred Royce. 

1841. " 1858. Joseph Ankeny. 

1841. Joel Elliott. 1859. James Comings. 

1844. Richard Roberts. 1859. J.W.Condon. 

1845. Henry Miller, 1860. George Irwin. 
1847. Alfred Royce. 1862. Issacher Rowby. 



310 HISTOEY OP 



CHAPTER XXyill. 

BROWN TOWNSHIP. 

This township was laid out Marcli 9, 1825, and 
" attaclied to Jefferson until it sliall be ascertained 
that there is inhabitants enough in Brown to have 
it organized." March 6, 1826, " ordered by the 
Commissioners that Brown be hereafter considered 
a separate and distinct township, and the election 
be held at the house of Josias Ewing, for township 
officers, on the first Monday of April, and Jefferson 
be henceforth attached to Union." The name was 
given to perpetuate the memory of Major-General 
Jacob Brown, the hero of Chippewa and Port Erie, 
who had but recently become commander-in-chief 
of the U. S. Army. 

The first post-office, called Phifer's x Boads, was 
where Brownsville now is, and of late has borne the 
name of Jelloway, after the stream of this locality. 

The present merchants are, Wm. Patton, Sam'l 
Beeman, Pinckley & Watz ; doctors, E. Booth, L. 
D. Whitford ; wagonmakers, Thomas Thompson, 
Emanuel Storer ; blacksmiths. Smith & Hagerman, 
D. Thompson; tailor, E. Schuch ; shoemakers, E. 
Waddle, W. StuU and Knee ; tavern, Mrs. Phifer; 
tanner, Henry Erazier ; gunsmith, Henry Baisin ; 
grocer, J. H. Burriss. The Methodists have a 
meeting-house, wherein Bev. Mr. Ball preaches. 

In 1810 the inhabitants of Brown numbered 
1,201 ; in 1850, 1,535 ; and in 1860, 1,140. 



KNOX COUKTY. 311 

The most numerous families in this township are 
the McKees, Waddles, Halls and Blairs, descend- 
ants of early settlers, who cleared the way for the 
present. 

Charles McKee emi^'rated from Ireland, with 
fourteen children, about 1808. Alexander McKee 
settled in this county in 1809 ; he resides on his 
old place on Big Jelloway, where was once an In- 
dian camp ; and when he first settled there, sixty- 
five Indians called at his hut, drank metheglin with 
him, and they had a jovial time all round. 

The Halls, Sovernses, Pinkertons, Waddles, and 
Stewards have also been plenty in Brown. John 
Oarghnan (pronounced Oarnahan) was a wild 
Irishman of much note about 1826 ; he was a 
warm-hearted, impulsive creature ; and " faith, an' 
he was a knowledgeable mon." Many anecdotes 
are quoted of him, which we have not room to 
produce. 

Jacob Phifer from Strasburg, Germany, located 
in this township in 1818, when all was wild and 
new. He died Oct. 9, 1816, aged 89. He had 
served ten years a soldier in Europe, three years in 
the Bevolutionary War, and three months in the 
war of 1812. The old soldier was the father of 
Preeman, John, James and Michael. 

James Blair, our old friend, "God bless you," 
was one of the earlv stock. In 1816 he tended the 
old Slirimx^lin mill ; moved to Brown in 1820, and 
has been one of its most prominent men, having 
served as justice long enough to entitle him to 
vote, and his decisions have been generally approved 
of by his fellow citizens. He has been engaged in 



312 HISTOBY OF 

milling, farming, raising children, writing "poetry"' 
and making himself generally useful. His mem- 
ory will endure in BroAvn forever. 

Zephaniah Wade, who commanded a company 
of Riflemen from Loudon co., Ya., in 1777, moved 
to this county in October, 1816, with his son, 
Thomas. Zephaniah and his wife, Irene Longley, 
are both dead. J. J. Skillings has been one of the 
most active business men. 

There have been a few small mills on Big Jello- 
way from its early settlement, but the want of 
water, during the year, has caused some of them to 
suspend. Emor Barret's grist mill was built about 
1833, and is yet in operation. It is run by an 
overshot wheel 16 feet high. Tliomas Wade has a 
saw mill 2J miles above it run by an overshot 
wheel 30 feet high. A set of carding machines 
have also been run at this stand. The mills of 
James Blair, Ab. Whitney, and Joseph Hall have 
gone into dilapidation and decay. 

Jacob Hoof and his wife Pollv, Jacob Darrow 
and Wm. Prior, Jacob Baugh, Daniel Worley and 
E-ichard Deakins, were old settlers. 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

Samuel Barkhurst was the first, and Josias Ewing succeeded 
him in 1826. 

1830. Jnmes McMillen ; re-elected in 1833. 

1831. James Blair; re-elected in 1834, '37, '40, '43, '4G, '49. 
1837. Thomas Wade; re-elected in 1840 and 1844. 

184'i. John TV. Gurberson. 

1846. AYm. Soverns ; re-elected in ISfiO. 

1850. Joseph Pinkley; re-elected in 1S53 and 1857. 

1852. Solomon C. Workman. 

1854. John Hicks. 

1856. J. W. Leonard ; re-elected in 1859 and 18G2. 



Kl^^OX COUNTY. 313 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

JEFFERSON TOWNSniP. 

The township bearing tlie honored name of Presi- 
dent Jeifarson, after having served a tutelage of 
several years composing a portion of the bailiwick 
of Brown, is, in 1829, at the March term of the 
Commissioners, declared a *' distinct Township," 
and an election is ordered for township officers the 
1st Monday of April, 1829, at tlie liouse of Andrew 
Lockard. Its metes and bounds had been pre- 
scribed on the 9th of March, 1825, but from lack 
of population an organization was not then effected. 
The Mohican river passes through this township, 
furnishing several mill seats. In 1830, it contained 
311 inhabitants ; in 1840, 994; in 1850, 1,484; and 
in 1860, 1,458. In this as other eastern town- 
ships, the names of a few families predominate. 
The Greers, the Critchiields, the Sapps, the Hib- 
bitses, the Erosts, the Schultzes, the Bakers, are 
to be met Avith on almost every hill. The 
Critchiields and Sapps we have elsewhere sj)oken 
of. The Greers are mainly descendants of that 
noble old patriarch John Greer, who was a native 
of the Emerald Isle, and was what is called an Irish 
patriot. Possessed of a powerful constitution and 
vigorous intellect, he took a prominent position 



314 HISTORY OF 

among the pioneers. He was particularly efficient 
in the military line, and raised a company for ser- 
vice in the war of 1812. He did much to promote 
the formation of companies in the eastern town- 
ships. He was from 1812 to 1817 Collector of 
Taxes, in 1830 Keprescntative, and for many years 
Justice of the Peace, and during his life a very 
useful citizen. Eor thirty years some of the Greer 
name have officiated as Justices in this township. 
Among its most valued citizens have been Alexan- 
der, late County Treasurer, and father of the pres- 
ent Treasurer, Robert, Richard, Silas, Mark, James, 
"big Jim" and "little Jimmy." Capt. Jack Mel- 
ton, Aaron Mathene, Andrew Mckee, Ephraim 
McMillen, Jacob Shiner and George Greer, were 
also old settlers. 

Jacob Colopy has resided in this township since 
1825. He is a son of Timothy, a native of Ireland, 
who emigrated from Virginia in 1813. Jacob mar- 
ried a daughter of George Sapp, in 1825. They 
have eight children — five now living in the eastern 
part of Knox. John Hibbets, Joseph Critchfield, 
Josiah Trimblv, Matthew Davidson, Charles Mil- 
ler were also much respected. 

In this township there are two post offices — 
Greersville and Nonpareil. Greersville was estab- 
lished about 1818, and the post masters have been 
Robert Greer and Alexander Greer. Nonpareil is 
at Mt. Hollv, and was established in 1819. Its 
post masters have been Robert Long, A. Gardner, 
John Critchfield and A. Gardner. 



KNOX COUNTY, 315 

In early times there were many insects and rep- 
tiles of great annoyance to the early settlers. 
Among other evidences of the fact is the following 
comical aifair related by a citizen of this town- 
ship : Old John Daily and Alex. Darling got up a 
bet of a quart of whisky about the ability of a man 
to stand black ants, ticks and all else, save gallinip- 
pers, without flinching. Daily, accordingly, to show 
it could be done, stripped off his clothes and laid 
down on his face in the sand, where the ants were 
thick, and Darling was to keep the gallinippers off. 
After laying there several minutes Darling let 
three or four gallinippers on his bare back, but 
Daily did not flinch for them — then determined to 
win his bet he whispered to one of the spectators 
to bring him a coal of fire, which was got and put 
on him, but Daily let the live coal roast his flesh 
for fifteen minutes without ever flinching, and 
with his muscles firm bore it together with the ants 
and gallinippers until the half hour was up, and 
won the quart of whisky. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

]S25. Jas. Henderson. 1856. Robert Greer. 

1829. " " 1838. Josiah Frost. 

1829. John Greer. 1854. 

1832. " " 1857. " « 

1835. James Greer. 1837. James Witherow. 

1838. Joseph Sapp. 1840. 

1840. James Greer. 1843. " 

1842. Alex. Greer. 1846. 

]845. " " 1857. James Greer. 

1848. " " 1858. Charles Miller. 
1851. " " 1860. James Greer. 

1849. Robert Greer. 1861. Charles Miller. 
1852. 



316 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XXX. 

MONROE TOWNSHIP. 

This township was created Marcli Otli, 1S25, and 
favored with the name of President Monroe. The 
surface of the country is broken ; it is Avell watered 
and thickly timbered ; and its citizens liave gen- 
erally been noted for their unflinching democracy 
and their strict attention to home aiiairs. The 
population in 1830 was 137, and the acres listed 
for taxation 13,155. In 1810, it contained 1,258 
inhabitants ; in 1850, 1,321 ; and in 1860, 1,081. 

The principal place of business is JVIonroe Mills, 
where Davis and the Boyntons for many years sold 
goods, bought produce, and had a post-office estab- 
lished in 1819. Schenck's Creek, passing through 
the east part, has on it seyeral saw and grist mills. 
At a very early period James Smith ran a mill 
upon it; and Jacob Davis, another very useful citi- 
zen, erected and operated until his death a good 
mill, which is yet carried on. Tbis stream took its 
name from Gen. W. C. Schenck, who owned the 
lands subsequently improved by Captain Coleman, 
David Johnson, the Irelands, and otiiers. In 1817, 
he sold a large part of his tract to various settlers, 
who made substantial improvements. 

The Colemans were early settlers. Joseph emi- 
grated from Payette county, Pa., in March, 1806, 



KNOX COUNTY. 317 

and lived that year south of Mount Yernon, across 
the creek, and the next year moved to the place 
where he died, in 1830, aged 56. Of his children, 
Ichabod is the only one now in this county ; Joe 
is living in Nebraska, William in Indiana, and 
Jess, is dead. 

The Ecv. William Thrift and his family were 
also amom? the earliest and best settlers. 

Charles Laudcrbaugh, of Pennsylvania, in 1828, 
emigrated to this township, and resided there until 
his deatli, in 1854. He had 12 children ; now 
living, John, Henry, Andy and Jesse, Kelly, Mrs. 
J. Myers, Louisa, Mrs. 0. Wolverton, Eachcl, Mrs. 
Wm. Kini*:, and Rebecca. 

In the list of justices, will be found the names 
of otlier respected families; the Dixons, Scotts, 
Clementses, Becks, Adamses, Irvines, Boyntons, 
Hutcliisons, and Craigs will long be held in re- 
membrance, if not j)erpetuated by resident descen- 
dants in future years. And the calculation would 
not be complete without enumerating the family 
of our old friend Bill Dowds, whose standing salu- 
tation is, "What's the calculation "? " There were 
also Sam. and Elijah, and their families ; the Mar- 
shalls and Gilcrests. 

Peter Skeen emigrated from Montgomery coun- 
ty, Pa., in 1827 ; he died in 1855, aged 71. He 
was an intelligent and industrious citizen. 

The Youngs were among the early settlers of this 
township. Isaac Young was born in Fairfield 
county, Connecticut, in 1760, and served in the 
Revolutionary war ; in 1790 moved to Uniontown, 
Pa., w here he lived for many years, and from thence 



318 HISTORY OF 

to Ohio in 1830, and to Monroe in 1836, wliere lie 
resided until liis death, in 1842, at the age of 82 
years and 19 days. 

Ool. H. H. Young, of Eayette county. Pa., was 
born in 1791 ; married Eachel Shipley, and moved 
to Washington county. Pa., and from thence, in 
1835, to where he now resides. He is the father 
of five boys and five girls. Colonel Young, for his 
ardor in Democracy and Methodism, his hickory 
pole raisings and marshalship of Democratic pro- 
cessions, will never be forgotten by those who wit- 
nessed his zeal in the campaigns of 1836, '10, '44. 

Col. John Armstrong, a very estimable gentle- 
man from Jamaica, who died in 1855 ; Lemuel 
Holmes, another good man, now living in Iowa ; 
David Hunt, the Berrys, the Barkers and the Mil- 
lers, for many years resided in this township. The 
name of Hull is also of long standing. 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1821. Tlios. Dixon. 1856. Joseph Hutchison. 

1824. " " 1859. 

1826. W. Beck. " James Hutchinson. 

1831. Thos. Dixon. 1836. M. N. Scott. 

1834. " " 1839. " " 

1838. " " 1843. " " 

1843. " " 1846. 

1840. Joseph Adams. 1849. 

1841. Jos. Coleman. 1852. M. N. Scott. 

1844. " " 1846. R. S. Clements. 
1847. " " 1849. 

1850. " " 1852. 

1851. Isaac Irvine. 1855. " «* 
1854. John Craig. 1858. " " 



1855. Henry Boynton. 1861. 



(< i< 



KNOX COUKTT. 319 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

PIKE TOWNSHIP. 

This township, establislied June 7tli, 1819, was 
named after General Pike. The first election was 
held the 26th of June, at the house of Michael 
Harter. 

The entire voters in 1822 numbered nineteen. 
Their names we give : John Arnold, Robert Ken- 
nedy, Jacob Swails, Thomas Elwell, Wm. Wright, 
Aaron Wilson, John Scoles, Wm. Smith, Philip 
Armentrout, Benj. Austin, John Butler, Wm. 
Spry, Erancis Popham, David Holloway, Thomas 
Scoles, John Gordon, Andrew Scoles, Cyrus Mc- 
Donald, and George Scoles. In 1820, John Ar- 
nold listed the taxable property, and received $5 
therefor. Amity was laid out in 1832, and con- 
tains about 150 inhabitants, among them wagon 
makers, Adam Cole, John Scarborough ; tanners, 
John ^yrick, George McClurg ; shoemakers, John 
Cain, George Nyrick ; tavern keeper, ^ewel Dowds. 
There are two stores. The post-office is called 
" Democracy." There are three churches : Bap- 
tist, Bev. Arnold, Pastor ; Methodist, Bev. Ball ; 
and Deciple. The j)hysicians are E. Mast and W. 
E. Edwards. 

In 1840, Pike contained 1,216 inhabitants ; in 
1850, 1,720 ; and in 1860, 1,451. 



320 HISTORY OP 

The brothers Bartholomew and John Bartlett, 
natives of Conncc^ticnt, emigrated from Pennsylva- 
nia to Knox county in ISOS, and were the heads of 
numerous families of Bartlett in Knox and Mor- 
row. The sons of Bartholomew were William, 
David, Hugh, and Leonard ; and the daugliters 
were Martha, wife of J. 0. Irvine, of ]\It. Yernon ; 
Polly, wife of Samuel ^Js^ye ; Betsy, wife of Winn 
Winsliip, and Mrs. Jacob Cooper, deceased. Ed- 
Avin, son of William, lives on the old home place 
in Morris township; William Bartlett, carpenter 
in Mt. Yernon, is one of the sons of David ; bis 
other son, Simeon, lives in the west. Hugh's chil- 
dren were William E., George, Lafayette, Taylor, 
and Mary, Mrs. Shurr of Ohesterville. Leonard's 
(diildren were John, George, who married Ellen 
(/oopcr, Helen, Preston, Elizabeth, Josephine. 
John, sr.'s, children were Abner, and Mary, Mrs. 
John Eicliards, who is dead. Abner's chiUlren are 
T. M. Bartlett, of Mt. Yernon, Sarah, wife of Bob- 
ert Maxwell in Morrow county, John D., of Wayne, 
Abner, Joel, Abel, Maria, wife of John Barber, 
Mary, Mrs. Eredericks, Loruma, wife of Alvin 
Oasson, all of Morrow connty. Of Mro. Mary 
Richards' children, but one child — David, at Sparta 
— lives in this State ; the others are in Yeruiont. 
When the old settlers came to Knox they settled 
in Clinton and Morris. The Cains — Elias and 
James — were early settlers. James now lives in 
Holmes county ; Elias and his brother Bobert yet 
in this township. The Armstrongs, Johnsons and 
Kirkpatricks aj^o citizens of many years. Conrad 



KNOX COUIfTT. 



321 



Doub, a native of Erankfort on the Rliine, came to 
tliis county in 1832. He is a good farmer ; has 
seven boys living, two of whom are in Oo. H, 23d 
Regt. — Conrad and Lewis. John Mahaffey has 
since 1833 been a citizen of this township. He 
came from Washington county, Pa., learnt the 
blacksmith trade with his brother Joe, in Mt. Yer- 
non, and has for many years carried on business in 
this township. 



SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1819. 
1820. 
1822. 
1823. 
1825. 
1825. 
1829. 
1833. 
1834. 
1836. 
1839. 
1843. 
1843. 
3 844. 
1847. 
1849. 
1850. 
1852. 
1855. 
1855. 
1858. 
1859. 



Andrew Scoles. 
Wm. Smith. 
Bernard Keoce. 
Wm. Smith. 
Bernard Reece. 
Wm. Johnson. 
Wm. Smith. 

John Gordon. 
John Cochran. 

John Gordon. 

Wm. Arnold. 

John Ramsey 
it (( 

Eli Dickerson. 
C. P. Frederick. 
Eli Dickerson. 
H. P. Roberts. 
J. D. Hammil. 
J. D. Hammil. 
John Wise. 



1819. 

1825. 

1823. 

1827. 

1830. 

1831. 

1831. 

1834. 

1837. 

1837. 

1840. 

1842. 

1846. 

1846. 

1849. 

1852. 

1853. 

1856. 

1856. 

1858. 

1860. 

1861. 



Robert Silcost. 
Wm. McNear. 
Aaron Bixbj. 
Andrew Scoles. 
Hugh Kirkpatrick. 
F. Popham. 
John Cochran, jr. 
F. Popham. 
John Gordon. 
J. Y. Barnhard. 
John Gordon. 
Emanuel Wagoner. 
Amos Dehaven. 
W. W. Minteer. 



R. C. Sweeney. 

David Braddock. 
Sam. Kirkpatrick. 
R. C. Sweeney. 
J. D. Hammil. 



21 



322 HISTOKY OF 



OHAPTEE XXXII. 

HOWARD TOAVNSHIP. 

In the general reorganization of March 9th, 1825, 
this township was formed. The land is generally 
rolling and well watered by Owl Creek and the 
Jelloways, which aiford considerable water power. 
The Kinderhook Mills, in the days of Elliott, War- 
den & Co., did a fine business, and the village of 
Kinderhook was quite a noted place. 

Howard had 590 population in 1830, and 14,586 
acres of taxable land. In 1810, the inhabitants 
numbered 990 ; in 1850, 1,002 ; and in 1860, 870. 

The Porters emigrated from Maryland in 1816 ; 
Thomas J. died in his 83d year. Of his nine chil- 
dren, the living are Henry T., who married Eliza 
Ann Hedington, Samuel, Michael, Harriet, wife of 
Hiram Oritchfield. Old 'Squire Porter was an 
honest and intelligent man, who was highly es- 
teemed by all who knew him. Por nine years he 
served his neighbors as a justice, and died univer- 
sally lamented. Dr. Lewis R. is residing in Clin- 
ton township, much respected for his intelligence 
and worth. 

The name of Critchfield has been common in 
this and the adjoining townships, and will continue 
so. Nathaniel, William, Joseph, John and Isaac, 
five brothers, emigrated from the neighborhood of 
Cumberland, Md., to Owl Creek in 1806. Isaac 
died shortly after. The others had been soldiers in 
the Revolutionary War, and drew pensions until 



KNOX COUNTY. 323 

their death. Nathaniel married Christina Welker ; 
he died about 1837, and she in July, 1840. They 
had thirteen children, of whom the following have 
been generally known, viz : William, Susannah, 
wife of Jacob Lepley, Joseph, Catharine, wife of 
Peris Sprague, Jesse, Sally, wife of Jacob Lybar- 
ger, Benjamin, Mary, wife of Meshac Oasteel, and 
Isaac, who died. Wm. Critchfield, Sr., died in 
1848. His second wife, who was the Widow Bar- 
cus, survives. Their children were — Reuben, 
Samuel, Betsy Thatcher, Drusilla Thomas, Keziah 
Magers, Sally Critchfield, and James and Benjamin 
Barcus. Joseph Critchfield married Peggy Sapp ; 
he died in 1843. Of their nine children, we have 
the following memoranda : Mary was the second 
wife of Col. John Greer ; Elizabeth married Rob- 
ert Waddle ; Catharine, George Lybarger ; Phoebe, 
Wm. Beckwith ; Alvin and William are in Indi- 
ana ; Isaac in Hardin county ; John in Mt. Holly; 
Joseph died in Indiana. 

William, son of Nathaniel, married Elizabeth 
Troutman, of Somerset co,. Pa., and begat 13 chil- 
dren. Charles, Reuben, Sam., Hiram, Enoch, who 
married Maria Dixon ; Jesse, Mary Horton; Dr. S. 
T., Mary Porter, of Allegheny co., Md. ; William 
Jackson is dead ; Lucinda married Lewis Lybarger; 
Matilda married John Cassel ; Delilah married 
Dr. Mast, and Catharine is at home. Hiram and 
Jesse are dead. 

From the loins of these old soldiers have sprung 
a numerous tribe of athletic and hardy j)eople. 
The old set were good marksmen, industrious hus- 
bandmen, thorough going yeomen, who endured 



324 HISTORY OF 

great liardsliips and perils in tlie *' times tliat tried 
men's souls," and left to their hundreds of descen- 
dants the light of good example, and a just pride 
in their well spent lives. 

Uriah Tracy, Marvin Tracy, James Logue, Jas. 
Wade, Paul Welker, Ben. Ellis, Philip, George, jr., 
and Isaac Dial were of the first settlers. George 
Lybarger, sr., George, jr., and Andrew, were among 
the first voters in this township. Ludwick Lybar- 
ger and his sons — Sam., George, Lewis, Joseph and 
Jacob, have long been residents. "Old uncle 
George" moved west many years ago, and is now 
dead ; he was a kind-hearted man of the pioneer 
stamp. 

The Dawsons and McParlands, from Washing- 
ton CO., Pa., have resided in this township since 
1835, and have been excellent citizens. Henry 
Eckenrode, a native of Adams co., Pa., settled in 
this township in 1833, and has helped people it. 
John Hull has been here since 1820. Here, too, 
have lived a numerous family of Durbins, the Trol- 
ingers. Horns, Whites, Kicholses, Marlows, I\Iillers, 
Magerses, Berrys, and other most excellent people. 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1822. Joseph McMahon. 1841. H. H. McArtor. 

1822. Martin Engle. 1844. 

1825. " " 1847. 

182G. Amos Workman. 1850. " " 

1829. " " 1853. 

1831, Ben. Hedington. 1846. Ben. Ellis. 

1832. Thos. J. Porter. 1849. E. Marshal. 



1835. " " 1852. J. T. Bemn. 

1838.' " " 1855. 

1832. William Williams. 1858. Sam. Cake. 

1835. " " 1859 A. J. Ellis. 

1838! " " 1S58. Paul Welker. 

1840. Ben. Ellis. ISGl. " 



KKOX COUNTY. 325 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

MORRIS TOWNSHIP. 

Ok the 2d of March, 1812, upon petition of sev- 
eral citizens this to\ynship was laid off, and an or- 
der issned for an election to be held at the house 
of Benjamin Rush for township officers. A ma- 
jority of the early settlers being natives of Morris 
county, ^ew Jersey, caused the name of Morris to 
be selected. The officers of the election, this year, 
were Wm. Douglass, Daniel Cooper, Wm. Thrift, 
judges ; James Trimble and John Wheeler, clerks. 
The township was listed by K. C. Boalse, who was 
paid a $6 county order for his services. At a spe- 
cial meeting of the Associate Judges, March 14, 
1812, three justices were allowed to this township 
at the election ordered by the Commissioners. 
There were fifty voters. James Trimble was cho- 
sen Township Clerk ; Scott Durbin and James 
Miller, Constables ; and James Loveridge, Treasu- 
rer. At this period, this may be said to have been 
the foremost township in the county. Clinton was 
then in its prime, the country around was settled 
by the very best kind of people ; the upper branches 
of Owl Creek, uniting within its limits, gave them 
some of its richest bottom lands for cultivation, and 
the flow of emigration brought much substantial 
population. At the election of 1816 there were 83 



326 HISTORY OF 

voters. In 1819, Smith Hadley listed tlie township, 
and received an $8 order for the same. The fore- 
going names, together with those in the list of jus- 
tices, rej)resent many of the most prominent fami- 
lies in this township from its organization. The 
names of Smith, Cooper, Loveridge, Douglass, Bo- 
nar, Coleman, Trimble, Thrift, Wheeler, Durbin, 
'Nye, Ball, Banning and Bush, frequently occur in 
these pages in connection with events in our past 
history. Several of the families have not a single 
representative now in the county. The heads of 
families have died, and the descendants gone to 
other parts. The most active of the Clintonians 
long since left the field. Samuel H. Smith, the 
head of that settlement, drew around him many 
mechanics and laborers ; he was an energetic, in- 
telligent business man, and has no one of his blood 
within the county at this time. 

S. H. Smitli, of Erie co., who we observed a few 
days since contributed f 100 to the war fund of his 
township, is the only one of his children in Ohio. 
He is a farmer, and the largest tax-payer in that 
county, as we have been informed. Ichabod 'Nye, 
brother-in-law of Smith, is dead, as also his wife. 
Henry Smith, the Barneys, Glasses, Enoses, Yeo- 
mans, Marshals, Harrison and Dickinson, are also 
gone. Alexander Enos moved to Bichland co., 
and Wm. C. has gone to parts unknown. Balph 
Granger, who sold goods in Clinton in 1815, died 
long since. 

The Coopers, Carey, Daniel and Elias, were 
brothers. In 1809 Daniel moved from Butler co., 
Pa., with his family, and was followed shortly after 



KNOX COUNTY. 



327 



by Carey and Elias. The latter was unmarried. 
Carey's sons were Charles, Elias, Hugh, John and 
Lewis, of whom Charles and John alone survive. 
His two daughters are also dead. Daniel had 
seven children — Thompson, Wm., George, Henri- 
etta, and Jvilia, Mrs. John Eay, in this county, Jo- 
siah living in Chillicothe, Mo., and Mrs. Sarah 
Bushfield. Elias Cooper, the old gentleman, is 
yet living ; another Cooper of the early times was 
"cousin Charley;" they were all natives of New 
Jersey. Thompson recollects how xu'osperous Clin- 
ton was in 1813, Avith its four taverns with their 
inviting signs swinging in the breeze — kept by Ich- 
abod Nye, Alfred Manning, John Barney and Sam- 
uel Yeoman. In the war times whisky flowed 
freely down the throats and business was very brisk. 
"God's barn" was then the great place of gathering 
for devotional purposes. The old settlers have a 
lively recollection of the pious labors of father 
Scott therein ; when, in the summer time, the hogs 
of the whole village collected together under the 
floor, whicli was about two and a half feet from 
the ground, and Avould frequently set up such a 
grunting and squealing as to render inaudible the 
voice of the good minister. It was a great harbor 
for fleas, and Cai)t. Douglass was conspicuous in 
the meeting with his large feet, bare, endeavoring 
to catch the marauders who violated the sanctity 
of the place. He moved to the Wabash country 
and is dead, as also his son, Aaron ; his daughters — 
Sally, wife of James Rogers ; and Phoebe, wife of 
Richard Ewalt, are living. 

Wm. McCartney and Aaron dug the mill race 



328 HISTORY OF 

for Douglass. A sister of Mc. married Enoch 
Ogle, who kept tavern in Bellville. John John- 
son, father of Tom, the old jailor, is dead. Abed- 
nego Stevens rests with Shadrach and Meshac, and 
Amzie Stevens, of Amazonian frame, whose foot 
was sixteen inches and a quarter, died long, long 
ago. His skeleton he wished to be preserved as a 
model, and hence struck a bargain with a doctor 
by which he was to have the bones for his museum. 
About 1832, Mr. Bicking and another merchant 
from Philadelphia, in passing through the country, 
discovered his foot-prints in the snow, and got out 
and took the measure of the track, ha^ang never 
seen the like before. Yerily he was a monster, 
and shook the earth with his majestic tread. Grim 
would have been but a small boy beside him. The 
children of a future age may exclaim : "There 
were giants in those days !" William Mitchell was 
here in 1807. His children were Jacob, ]!^athaniel, 
Abigail, Mrs. John H. Mefford ; Mar}^, Mrs. John 
Young ; Hannah, Mrs. Wm. Meiford, Naomi, wife 
of Lewis Young, deceased, now Mrs. Thos. Evans ; 
Sarah, Mrs. Cyrus Cooper ; John, Silas and Wm. 
All now live but Nathaniel and Sarah. Nathaniel 
was one of the scouting party at the time of Copus' 
slaughter, and died in 1813 from disease contracted 
by exposure in the Indian campaign. William, sr., 
joined the Baptist Church in 1815, and continued 
a member until his death, August 12, 1818, in his 
83d year. He was very sociable and much es- 
teemed. An old heir-loom of this family is in the 
possession of Hannah Meiford, being a cup and 
saucer of peculiar construction, which belonged to 



KNOX COU2!fTY. 329 

her grand-mother, one of the New Jersey matrons 
of the revohition. The old China set of the last 
century was used hy General Washington when 
at the old homestead, near Morristown, during the 
revolutionary war. 

James Loveridge and wife, botli living, came 
from Morris co., N. J., in 1805, and Eichard in 
1812. The latter was an inventive genius ; he died 
several years since. There are many of this name 
now in Morris. Philip resides on the old farm of 
Richard. Loveridgeisms are peculiarities of ex- 
pression in rhyme pertaining to this family. Rich- 
ard got a patent for a plow in 1828 ; and an exclu- 
sive right to rhvme in conversation has been 
inherited by this family. Long may the old stock 
be spared to indulge their propensity for sport in 
verse. They have been industrious citizens. 
Another Jersey accession includes the Ball broth- 
ers — Hiram, Uzal, Cyrus and Timothy. Their 
father divided equally 1,000 acres of the best Owl 
Creek bottom land among them, and for a half 
century it has been held and cultivated by the 
Balls. The Ebersole family is another one of the 
old stock. Some of the descendants, John, Jacob, 
and others, have made valuable citizens. An inci- 
dent of this township worthy of record occurred in 
the time when it was customary to warn out of 
townships any new comer avIio was likely to be- 
come a township charge. One of these settlers, by 
the name of Pope, having located within the limits, 
Silas Ball was ordered to warn him out. He re- 
monstrated against doing so, saying, " God made 
man, and he has a right to a place on earth, and if 



330 HISTORY OF 

Pope is warned out of Morris he may be warned 
out of any other township he goes into, and it is 
contrary to God's will that he should have no 
abiding place." The warrant was fixed out and 
handed to him to serve, which he took as required, 
went to Pope's house, and taking it in his hand 
was about to read it, Avhen his feelings overcame 
him, and he exclaimed, " Po]3e, I warn you off the 
face of God's earth !" and turned around and Avent 
back with the writ. He was asked if he served it 
by reading, or by copy ; he replied, " neither," and 
gave the words he employed. The result was that 
Pope remained, and Ball's better natur'e triumphed. 
He was a staunch llniversalist, and a kind-hearted 
citizen. 

Among the names of long standing is that of 
Bonar. In 1812, Barnet and Matthew, brothers, 
emigrated from Washington county, Pa. ; about 
the same time came a cousin of theirs, named 
Matthew, and a brother-in-law, Dr. John Byers. 
The latter-named Matthew moved some years ago 
to Illinois, where he was living at last accounts. 
The brother of Barnet was a bachelor, and died 
about 1815. Barnet died in May, 1811, aged 81, 
and his wife in 1858, aged 89. They had the fol- 
lowing children : David, who died about 1816 ; 
Matthew, living in Richland county; John, who 
died in 1859 ; William, at the old homestead on 
Granny's Creek; Ann, wife of Gavin Mitchell, of 
Richland county, died in 1835, leaving a consider- 
able family; Martha, wife of Adam Rinehart, liv- 
ing in tliis township; Sarah, wife of E. P. Young, 
died about 1810 ; Isabel, who died about 1828 ; 



KNOX COUNTY. 331 

Margaret, married A. Greenlee, and died about 
1850. John was a hard-working, intelligent farm- 
er, who was highly esteemed, and died in his 51th 
year, from a cancer. His wife was Lucinda, daugh- 
ter of Charles Cooper. She had one son — Josiah, 
who married a daughter of Charles Swan — and 
two daughters; Bell married Tliomas Swan, also 
in Morris, and Catharine is the wife of H. Leon- 
ard, of Wayne. William Bonar married A. L. 
Case, and has four children living : David ; Eliza- 
beth, wife of Eev. J. W. White, of Marion, White- 
sides county, Illinois; Sarah Jane, and Caroline. 
Isabel died in 1860. William Bonar's name will 
be found among the Senators from this district. 
He is the only son of the old pioneer now within 
our county limits. 

Among the early incidents of this section is the 
following curious hunting exploit. Deer were very 
abundant then on Granny's Creek, and one day 
Barnet shot a large doe, and as it fell, and life's 
current was ebbing away, he discovered that she 
was in the pains of parturition, when he ripped 
her open with his knife, and took from her two 
fawns, one of which he gave to Alex. Johnson, and 
the other he kept. They both lived for some time. 
His own, having lost its eyes by exposure to fire, 
first died ; but the other grew up a large and healthy 
tame deer, and was an object of peculiar interest to 
the neighborhood, on account of its singular birth. 

Samuel H. Smith was always spry and active. 
During the time of his mercantile operations he 
received a good deal of money, and on one occasion 
he thrcAv a shot-bag full of sj)ecie on the counter, 



332 HISTORY OP 

and said that any one who could run away from 
him with that hag, might have it. Taking him at 
his word, Henry Smith, who was a sprightly young 
man, grahbed it and ran, pin-sued by Sam., and, 
after coursing down the road some distance, finding 
the old gentleman gaining on him, he broke for the 
fence, and climbed over it into the field; but Sam. 
caught him, and he gave up the bag amid the 
shouts and cheers of Oapt. Nye's horse company, 
who were spectators of the ludicrous scene. 

The Duhamels, Amos and Henry, in 1824, emi- 
grated from Frederick, Md. Henry now lives near 
Maumee City ; Amos in Eranklin, 111., with his 
third wife. By his former wives he had eleven 
children ; number by the present not known. Of 
these we have the following account : Peter 0. re- 
sides in Morris township ; Emily, wife of Geo. W. 
Litt, in Pike township ; Prances Jane, wife of 
James Logsden, is in Iowa ; Louisa Ann, wife of 
David Spickler, in Allen county. Peter 0. learn- 
ed the carpenter trade witli Pobcrt Spears, Bel- 
ville, and works at it. The Cosners were very in- 
dustrious citizens. Old "Uncle Philip" was noted 
as being one of the most successful tobacco-grow- 
ers. Peter Rush is another of the old stock of 
farmers. The Winterbothams were a highly intel- 
ligent family, none of whom are now in Knox. 
Of tlie number of children is Mrs. Ann S. Ste- 
phens, the accomplished authoress, residing in New 
York ; John H., an energetic business man, in Port 
Madison, Iowa ; Robert, in Columbus ; Samuel, in 
Iowa ; and William, in Wisconsin. Adam Rine- 
hart, another valued citizen, with his familv, re- 



KlfOX COUI^TY. 333 

sides here ; also the Cassels, Swans, Pearres, John 
Lamb, and Henry Johnson. Benjamin E,ush, of 
Morris county, ^. J., with his wife, Margaret Lo- 
gan, also of said county, emigrated with their chil- 
dren. Job, Andrew M., Mary, Johannah and Mar- 
garet, to this township, from Morris township, 
Washington county. Pa. The two latter are dead ; 
other children, born in this township, were Eunice, 
Sarah Ann and Lucinda. Benjamin died in March, 
1849, in his 80th year, and the old lady in October, 
1858, in her 85th j^ear. They were among the best 
citizens. Richard Ayres, Jolm Erwin, and Mrs. 
Galloway, were also early settlers. Of these, the 
only remaining trace in this county, is Erwin's 
daughter, Mrs. Mary McFarland. John Wheeler, 
a carpenter, married a daughter of Mrs. Galloway, 
and moved to Sandusky, taking with him Mrs. 
Galloway and her son. John Sawyer, first black- 
smith at Clinton, and a good horse-shoer, emigrated 
to Indiana, and died. His only descendant in this 
county is Mrs. W. O. Johnson. In 1830, the pop- 
ulation of Morris was 812, and 13,066 acres of land 
were listed for taxation. In 1810, there were 1,079 
inhabitants ; in 1850, 1,028 ; and in 1860, 1,013. 

Of the fifty men who voted at the first election 
in Morris, James Loveridge is the only one living 
in this county. 

The Clinton post-office was the first in the 
county. Its various postmasters were Samuel H. 
Smith, Richard Fishback, Ichabod Marshal and 
S. H. Smith. The last known of it, Andrew Clark 
was acting as deputy postmaster, in 1819. 



334 



HISTORY OP 



Smith's house was the first one erected in the 
village. Samuel Ayres and Amoriah Watson got 
out the timber, Loveridge and Douglass helped to 
raise it. They all boarded with Loveridge during 
the work. Douglass had Wm. McLoud put up the 
first stone house in the county. John Miller, the 
first dresser of buck-skin for breeches, hunting 
shirts, etc., married Patsey Zerrick ; she is living 
on the old farm with her sister Edna, the only rep- 
resentatives of the old Virginian Daniel, who died 
in 1851, aged 86. 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, 



1812. 

1816. 

1816. 

1819. 
1820. 
1822. 
1823. 

1823. 

1830. 

1831. 
1832. 
1835. 

1836. 



John Trimble, Benjamin 


1837. 


George Irwin ; re-elected 


Barney, Joseph Coleman. 




in 1840. 


Wm. Doulass ; re-elected 


1840. 


John Durbin. 


in 1819. 


1844. 


Alex. M'Grew ; re-elected 


Jos. Coleman ; re-elected 




in 1847. 


in 1819. 


1847. 


B. H. Taylor. 


James Dickson. 


1848. 


John H. Winterbotham ; 


Alfred Manning. 


1848. 


Wm. Bonar. 


Carey Cooper. 


1850. 


Benj. B. Brown. 


Uzal Ball ; re-elected in 


1851. 


Thompson Cooper. 


1826. 


1852. 


John Dwyer. 


John Trimble ; re-elected 


1853. 


Uzal Ball ; re-elected in 


in 1826. 




1856. 


James Adams ; re-elected 


1854. 


John Mclntyre. 


in 1833 and in 1836. 


1855. 


B. R Smith. 


B. H. Taylor. 


1856. 


Allen Scott. 


Uzal Ball. 


1857. 


John Mclntyre. 


B. H. Taylor ; re-elected 


1859. 


J. L. Jackson. 


in 1838 and 1841. 


1861. 


John Mclntyre. 


Thompson Cooper; re- 


1862. 


J. L. Jackson. 


elected in 1839, '42, '45. 







KlfOX COUIfTY. 335 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 

One of the first townships was named for the 
distinguished, brave General Wayne, more gener- 
ally known by the sobriquet " Mad Anthony." In 
the general reorganization it was reduced to its 
present limits. The general appearance of the 
surface of the country is beautiful. It is well wa- 
tered, well timbered, healthy, and possessed of un- 
common attractions for a home. In 1830, it listed 
16,258 acres of land for taxation, and contained 
1,017 inhabitants; in 1850, 1,861; and in 1860, 
1,789. We have given the ofiicers and voters at the 
first election. In 1811, the Judges were Joseph 
Denman, Daniel Ayres, James Trimble ; Clerks, 
John Trimble and Wm. Johnson. In 1812, Henry 
Roberts listed the township. John Kerr, Samuel 
Wilson and Daniel Beers were then Judges ; Wil- 
lis Speakman and Joseph Townsend, Clerks. In 
the list of Justices and names heretofore given will 
be found most of the earlv settlers who exerted an 
influence upon the society of this section. It can 
not be expected that we shall enumerate all the 
good citizens of different periods ; the limits pre- 
scribed for our work preclude such an idea. The 
lands upon the South Eork and East Eork of Owl 
Creek are unsurpassed in fertility, and the water 



336 HISTORY OF 

power tliereon lias been so improved as to give the 
producers every facility for acquiring a competency. 

EiiEDERiOKTOWS^, the princii)al mart of business 
for the farmers of the north western portion of 
Knox, was laid out in 1807, by John Kerr, with its 
streets— "Eirst or Donation," "Second st.," "Third 
or Sandusky st.," "Fourth st.," "Yine alley," 
" Chambers st.," " State road and Main st.," and 
*' Strawberry alley." The original tract upon which 
it is situated belonged to Mr. Sullivant, of Erank- 
linton, who, vfith commendable liberality, gave 
John Kerr his choice of 50 out of 4,000 acres, in- 
cluding a mill seat, if he would settle upon and 
build a mill there. Accordingly, in the fall of 
1807, he constructed a dam, raised a little log house 
and set one run of stone to grinding, or " cracking 
corn." On this 50 acres the town was laid out, and 
Kerr then bought 150 acres around it. W. Y. 
Farquhar was the surveyor, and the name of Fred- 
erick in honor of the old home, in Maryland, was 
o-iven to this town in the wilderness. W. Y. Far- 
([uhar erected and occupied the first cabin in Fred- 
ericktown ; it was a little stake and rider pen 18 
feet square. 

The next family to pitch their habitation within 
the plat, was that of Mrs. Ayres, and her sons, 
David and Abner, at once became leading men. 
John Milligan and Jcduthan Dodd, from Ten 
Mile, I^a., came sliortly after, with their connec- 
tions, John and Jacob Cook and Jacob Haldeman. 
In 1809, Rachel Kichardson bought out the little 
improvement of John Cook, and settled there with 
her family, consisting of William, Isaac K., Polly 



KNOX COUKTY. 337 

and Nancy, who subsequently married Samuel 
Watson anil John Wright. Charles McGowan, a 
droll old Irishman, took a lease near by, and Tho- 
mas Durbin, Samuel Wilson and Thomas Towns- 
end, Quakers, and John Walker, who subsequently 
married a Shurr, came also. In 1812, within the 
town were nine log cabins and one frame building ; 
dwellings, shops, huts all told. Willis Speakman, 
Rachel Richardson, John Garrison, John Yennum, 
and the Ayres' families, at one time occupied all 
these. 

Mr. Garrison opened the tirst store in 1812, and 
then dwelt in the only frame ; it was situated where 
the Methodist Church now stands. He is the only 
one of the then settlers within the village now liv- 
ing, and has led a migratory life. He is a native 
of New Jersey ; married near Philadelphia ; moved 
to New York; thence to Knox county, where he 
sold goods for several years ; thence to Mansfield ; 
from there to Detroit ; back again to Knox ; off 
again to Chicago, 111. ; and now resides at Cedar 
Ealls, Iowa. He has been merchandising at each 
point, and in his 91st year enjoys good health. 
Three of his children are in Iowa, one in Detroit, 
and another, Mrs. Richard Roberts, in this countv. 
This year he visited this county, and saw his great- 
great-grandchild and many other descendants in 
Berlin and Wayne. 

Nicholas McCarty was the second merchant. He 
moved from Mount Yernon to this place. In July, 
1817, N. McC. & Co. closed up their mercantile 
business and left their notes and accounts with 

22 



338 HISTORY OF 

Abner Ayres, Esq., for settlement, and also a 
quantity of lake fisb. Tlie motber of Mr. McOarty 
died at Fredericktown ; be moved to Indiana, and 
for many years drove a prosperous trade at tbe 
State capital. In 1853, be returned to Erederick 
on a mission of filial aifection, and erected a monu- 
ment at bis motber's grave. In 1855, be paid tbe 
debt of nature, leaving a large family in prosi)er- 
ous circumstances. During bis life be was a zeal- 
ous Wbig, and represented tbe capital district in 
tbe Senate of Indiana, and was also tbe candidate 
of bis party for Governor of tbe State. He bad 
tbe respect and confidence of all, and well deserved 
tbe title be bore, — " Honest Mc. McCarty." 

James Bigby, wbo so long and faitbfully follow- 
ed mercbandising bere, is yet living in tbe enjoy- 
ment of good bealtb, surrounded by bis cbildren 
and friends, one of tbe oldest inbabitants. George 
Girty was anotber mercbant, wbo left tbis section 
about 1815 for otber parts. Josbua Yennum, tbe 
first bouse-joiner, built tbe first frame bouse in tbe 
village. None of bis name survive in tbis county. 

Mrs. Wolf kept tbe first boarding-bouse. Sbe is 
dead long since. Her oldest son, Peter, lived on a 
farm near tbe Burkbolder flat, wbicb be sold to 
Henry B. Carter, wbo was a brotber to Jacob 
Cook's wife, and moved to Knox County in 1810. 
Samuel Wolf was a sterling man — lived in Bicb- 
land, and served as Sberiif. Wben tbe county went 
wild for Jackson be was an Adams man, and con- 
sequently "done for politically." Her daugbters 
bave done well. Artemissa mai'ried lawyer May, 
of Mansfield; Eliza, as elsewbere related, Mr. 



KNOX COUIfTT. 339 

Drennan, and Mary married and lived in tlie neigh- 
borliood of Lancaster. The first tavern was opened 
by Abner Ayres, and with a slight intermission 
during the war, when, for good and sufficient rea- 
sons, his brother Daniel took it; the same hotel 
was kept up for more than forty years. "Uncle 
Abner" was not any "great shakes" in the way of 
dancing attendance on guests, but "Aunt Amy" 
did know how to have the culinary department car- 
ried on ; and, we do affirm, that for making good 
brandy mince pies, and brandy peaches, she was 
unsurpassed by any of womankind since Eve eat 
the forbidden fruit. She knew just when, where, 
and how to apply the spirit to make it most j)alat- 
able, as all of the generation, who feasted there 
during sleighing excursions, well know. They have 
both departed to a better land, leaving the record 
of a life spent in contributing to the happiness of 
their fellow-creatures. Abner served as Captain 
in the war of 1812, as a Justice of the Peace fif- 
teen years, and Associate Judge seven years, a 
County Commissioner three years, and Postmaster 
near forty years. He was as quiet, unassuming 
and well disposed man as ever wore shoe-leather. 

The first preaching was in the little school-house, 
heretofore spoken of as a Fort, etc. In it ministers 
of various denominations held forth at stated times. 
About 1820 the Presbyterians undertook to build 
a church, but, having started out on too large a 
scale, they were compelled to succumb, and the 
building, in its unfinished state, a mere shell, was 
sold to Absalom Thrift, who converted it into a 
ware-house, and it is to this day used as a livery 



340 HISTORY OF 

stable. Some time after, tlie Universalists, who 
have ever been quite numerous in this locality, erect- 
ed a spacious frame church, which they have since 
occupied, until for a few years past the supply from 
some cause has ceased. The Presbyterians made 
another effort, and built the present excellent edi- 
fice ; and the Methodists and Baptists have also 
fine churches. The population is of a decidedly 
"go to meeting" character; they have also been 
noted for their zealous efforts in behalf of Temper- 
ance, and have kept up various organizations of a 
reform class for many years. 

The first blacksmith was Thomas Ayres, who 
went to work in 1808, and continued for many 
years. The first school was kept by Wm. Y. Ear- 
quhar ; the first shoe-shop by Osgood Dustin. 
The first hatter was Celestial Le Blond, a little 
frisky Erenchman, whose vote, in 1811, is entered 
as "Celestial Light" on the poll-books. He was 
the son of a wealthy Erench gentleman, and had 
to flee from his native land in consequence of hav- 
ing killed an antagonist in a duel. He frequently 
received from his father remittances of $500, or 
so, but made very foolish bargains. With money 
once sent he bought a mill-seat, set about erecting 
a mill where Shalers now is, and "broke flat" by 
the time he got a saw-mill up. The premises were 
then sold to Christopher Brollier, and by him to 
David Shaler, an energetic millwright. Sliortly 
after this Celestial received another remittance and 
moved to Bellville. In 1838 he went to Erance, 
obtained a considerable sum of money, and re- 
turned with a large stock of goods. He died at 



KFOX COUNTY. 341 

Bellville learing a very respectable family. An 
old man named McCoy, a sort of cobbler, tried bis 
hand at making cloth shoes for the women at an 
early day. The men then generally wore mocca- 
sins. A singular freak of another creature, in 1809, 
has been related to us. His name was Ebenezar 
Taylor, and he undertook to do work in the shoe 
line, but before he got fairly started an itinerant 
preacher came along, and Ebnezar was so taken 
with his discourse that he followed him off, leaving 
his kit of tools, and an estray animal, which he 
had taken up and advertised, and has never been 
heard of since. Speaking of shoemakers reminds 
us of a somewhat noted man in these parts, Jede- 
diali Peck, who attempted to get up a patent Avay 
of making boots, having last and tree all together, 
but found that it was easier to make them on than 
to get the boot off the tree, which, after vain at- 
tempts, he concluded to fasten to the house and 
hitch a mule to pull it off. His house was built 
around a walnut tree, and it was considerable of a 
curiosity to travelers to see a tree growing out of 
the top of a house. Jedediah and his wife died 
without issue, and liis two pretty nieces, who 
dwelt with him, are gone also. 

In 1815, Oapt. John Williams, of Frederick, Md., 
bought out John Kerrs' mill property, and at the 
same time started a store in the village. He 
brought out $10,000 in money, and dissipated 
through the country. He was a man of talent, 
clever and sociable, and is spoken well of by all 
old settlers. He came to this county in 1811 with 
his family. His children are much scattered. 



342 HISTORY OF 

William lives in Peoria, Illinois ; Thomas in Henry 
county, in that State, as also Eachel, wife of Ool. 
Prather, in the same county. Eliza, wife of Mil- 
ton Bevans, in Fulton county, Illinois. Pendy 
died in Illinois, Abraham in this county, and Gist 
W. in Missouri, in 1852. His son States, now 
lives in Morris. But two of Oapt. John William's 
family are to-day living in this county, Emaline, 
wife of Prank Wilkins, of Liberty, and Dan., who 
is living with States, his nephew, in Morris. Dan. 
was born in Prederick, Md., October 6th, 1792. 
His four sons are doing well. Clark and Charles 
reside in West ISTewton, Allen county, John and 
Milton B. in Berlin. Clark married Ellen Lane, 
and Charles her sister Jane. Milton married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Bichard Boberts. The 
post office kept from its establishment by Abner 
Ayres, until in 1850, B. J. Lewis succeeded him ; 
in May, 1852, Thomas A. Beed vice Lewis, resign- 
ed; L. S. McCoy followed, and his successor was 
Geo. Ball. 

In 1810, Predericktown contained 500 inhabi- 
tants ; in 1850, 712 ; and in 1860, 790, of whom 16 
were negroes. The place, some twelve years since, 
put on city airs, and with Geo. W. Woodcock as 
mayor, and T. A. Beed, Becorder, carried on a 
right sharp crusade against the "doggeries." The 
warfare was subsequently taken up by the Com- 
mon Pleas Courts, and for a time better "order 
reigned in Warsaw. Of late years, however, we 
have been informed that there has been "some- 
thing rotten in Denmark," and the spirits have 
assumed at times a very bold and thi'catening ap- 



KNOX COUNTY. 343 

pearance. Taken altogether, however, Fi-ederick 
may be said, during its existence, to have been a 
model town in the line of "laAv and order." In 
1816, the entire township cast but 81 votes. 

The l:th of July, 1817, was duly commemorated 
at Anson Brown'' s, in Predericktown. Daniel Beers 
was chosen Moderator, and Anson Brown, Clerk. 
The Committee of Arrangements consisted of Chris- 
tian Holderman, Job Allen, Munson Pond, Joseph 
Talmage, Jacob Young and Henry Markley . Mun- 
son Pond was Officer of the Day. Job Allen com- 
manded the volunteer company ; Jabez Beers was 
Beader; Truman Strong, Orator. Benjamin Jack- 
son, Anson Brown and Benjamin Jackson, jr., con- 
ducted the Singing. The Bev. John Cook and 
James Scott were present — and last, but not least, 
Alvin Bateman was Toast Master. A good dinner 
was eaten, and all felt glorious. The McCutchens, 
Strubles, Cochrans, Cravens, Sagerses, Beerses, 
Leonards, Thrifts, Harters, Strongs and Corbins, 
were among the early settlers. Of the Cochrans, 
William and Samuel were young men of good mind. 
The former is dead, and the latter, a preacher of 
celebrity, in ]N^. Y. ; Josiah M. is quartermaster in 
43d Beg't., O. V. Jabez Beers was one of the old 
settlers, and his son, Joseph, lived in Frederick at 
an early day. 

Dr. John Byers located here in 1812. He moved 
west about 1835, and is now living in Hardin co. 
His three sons emigrated to Arkansas ; Thomas 
and John are both dead — William yet lives at Bates- 
ville, Ark. The boys acquired considerable dis- 
tinction as Attorneys. The old gentleman was one 



344 HISTORY OF 

of the earliest practitioners of medicine in this 
township. Dr. David Wadsworth, another physi- 
cian, died many years agO; His son, T. B., died a 
sohlier in the Mexican war ; and his daughter, 
Eliza Ellen, Mrs. Strnble, is the sole survivor of 
the family. The Bryants have been quite numer- 
ous in Wayne, and among them James has been 
prominent ; he was a very strict man, of the steady 
and straiglit "Sunday go to meeting" kind, and as 
his neighbors to the west did not walk in his ways, 
he called their settlement " Sodom," a name it has 
ever since borne notwithstanding that it has had in 
it many first rate citizens. * Mcknames, once given 
and received, are hard to be obliterated. 

An old settler upon Granny's Creek is Truman 
K-ansom, who with his family located, in 1824, 
where he has ever since resided. Mr. Bansom 
was a native of Connecticut, and, with his father's 
family, moved to this State in 1812, and settled on 
the Muskingum, near its mouth. He there mar- 
ried Miss Temperance, daughter of Thomas Lord, 
whose grandmother was a daughter of Col. Oliver, 
one of the officers in command at the time the 
Marietta settlement was attacked by the Indians. 
Her father was Judge of the Court of Washington 
county, and a prominent member of the " Ohio 
Company." Of Mr. B.'s seven children, one is 
dead ; Edwin and Albert are living in Missouri ; 
Thomas in Liberty ; Bryan, William Wallace and 
Bobert Bruce in Wayne. Mr. B. has been a hard 
working man, and has met with various streaks of 
ill luck ; his losses have been heavy, by fire and 
water, and his escape from the jaws of death has 



KiiTox cou:n^tt. 315 

been almost miraculous. His dwelling-liouse, with 
mucli furniture, was burnt up in tlie spring of 1852 
— to his damage some $2000. In attempting to 
cross Owl Creek with a wagon and four-horse 
team he lost all, amounting probably to f SCO, and 
did well to get off Avitli his " own skin whole." 
Having a small mill site on Granny's Creek, he 
erected, in 1828, a saw-mill, that is yet in oper- 
ation. 

In the Granny's Creek school-house a Temper- 
ance Society was gotten up many years ago, and 
also a Sabbath-School, which has been well attend- 
ed. Regular preaching has been had also since 
1830, by the Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian 
and other denominations. 

But two men arc now living in the neighborhood 
of Frederick who were young men grown in 1812 
— Kichard Roberts, of Berlin, and Jacob Mitchell. 
The tirst of these helped cut the first road out from 
Mt. Vernon to Erederick, under the supervisorshij) 
of Joe Walker ; and the second rode express for 
General Harrison in the war of 1812. Then thev 
were both boys full of mettle and spirit, and their 
fathers were among the old men of the settlement ; 
and now their fathers are dead, and thev in turn 
are old men — heads of families — grandfathers — 
yes, great grandparents — and a new generation is 
upon the stage of action. What changes they have 
witnessed in their lifetime, little as we may be dis- 
posed to think things change before our vision in 
this fast age ! 



346 



HISTORY OF 



SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1808. 


Wm. Y. Farquhar. 


1809. 


Daniel Ayres. 


1812. 


Abner Ayres. 


1816. 


Abner Ayres. 


1815. 


W. W. Farquhar. 


1819. 


(( (< 


1818. 


(( (( 


1822. 


<( i< 


1817. 


Daniel Beers. 


1825. 


(( (( 


1821. 


Anson Brown. 


1831. 


George H. Bull. 


1826. 


David Wadsworth. 


1834. 


<( (( 


1826. 


Byram Leonard. 


1837. 


(( <( 


1829. 


<( <( 


1840. 


<< u 


1830. 


Michael Sockman. 


1837. 


Byram Leonard. 


1830. 


John Allen. 


1840. 


John Lewis. 


1836. 


Samuel Bryant. 


1843. 


A. Greenlee. 


1839. 


(( (< 


1846. 


G. W. Woodcock. 


1842. 


a i< 


1849. 


(1 a 


1845. 


<( ii 


1852. 


(t (I 


1848. 


it << 


1855. 


(( it 


1846. 


Peter Ink. 


1855. 


W. G. Strong. 


1849. 


J. B. Roberts. 


1856. 


T. V. Parke. 


1851. 


Mitchel Lewis. 


1858. 


Henry Phillips. 


1852. 


Geo. T. Potter. 


1859. 


D. S. Beers. 


1855. 


(( (( 


1860. 


W. D. Bonner. 


1857. 


A. Greenlee. 


1802. 


D. S. Beers. 


1860. 


<( (( 


1862. 


Wm. Wyker. 



KlfOX COUNTY. 347 



CHAPTER XXXy. 

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, 

This township, as at present bounded, was cre- 
ated March 9, 1825, and, in a spirit of freedom, 
styled Liberty. In 1830, it contained 553 inhab- 
itants; in 1810, 1,205; in 1850, 1,320; and in 1860, 
1,251. Mt. Liberty contains abont 150 inhabitants. 
It occupies an elevated position, and being situated 
upon the State road to the capital, and in the heart 
of a productive country on Dry Creek, it has been 
a place of considerable business. It was surveyed 
by T. Gr. Plumer, and laid out by Samuel Thatcher 
and George Beardsheare, Oct. 8, 1835. It has two 
stores, kept by E. D. Bryant and Judson Hildreth; 
a grocery, by Daniel Veatch ; a tavern, by John 
Thompson ; two cabinet shops, by S. Wilson, and 
by J. W. Jackson and C. K. Lineweaver ; two man- 
tuamakers. Miss Samantha Severe and Miss Mary 
Veatch; the carpenters are John Inscho, Arthur 
Pratt, Joseph Crosby; shoemakers, Jas. Cleghorn, 
Wm. Cleghorn, Philip Crable ; wagonmakers, J. 
A. Mostetler, David and George Mosteller, and 
Daniel Burkholder; two mills are run by Young- 
blood and Weller, and Peter Shafer. There are 
two churches, Methodist and Discix:)le. The Hig- 
ginses, Coyles, Humphreys, Severes, Careys, Hol- 
listers, Magoons and Gearharts are among the ear- 
liest in this section, and their descendants are quite 



348 HISTORY OF 

numerous. The most extensive families are the 
Brickers^^Lewises, Ewalts and Kineharts. Of the 
old stock we shall give a brief account; as to the 
new, their name is "legion," and it would be too 
prolix for the general reader did we attempt to 
sketch them. 

Lewis Bricker, Sr., of Greene county, Pa., had a 
very large family, and determined to distribute 
them in the western countrv, where lands were 
cheap and he could provide them with farms. 
Accordingly he bought 1,600 acres of land in tliis 
new countrv, and started the elder members of his 
family to it in the spring of 1810. Of the number 
were Peter Bricker, and George Lewis, his brother- 
in-law. They came out to this wilderness region, 
camped one night, and the next morning hitched 
in their teams, and by noon were on their way 
back. They reported the country wild, and they 
did not believe it ever would be settled. They saw 
many Indians, and heard the owls too-whooing and 
the wolves howling all night; and, unaccustomed 
to these things, they agreed with their wives to let 
the land go to the devil before they would risk 
their lives and their children in the Owl Creek 
regions, which they believed to be the next thing 
to, if not quite, the infernal regions. Their father, 
accustomed to frontier life, and knowing also the 
value of lauds in this country, determined in the 
fall to make another eifort at a settlement. Ac- 
cordingly he sent another delegation of his tribe, 
and continued the work until lie got into this town- 
ship the following children : Peter, George, John, 
Jacob, David, Solomon, Lewis, Catharine, Bachel 



KNOX COUE^TY. 349 

and Mrs. George Lewis, wlio have in tlieir own 
time peopled the wilderness region, felled tlie forest 
trees and cultivated the ground, multij)lying the 
origip 1 by "the double rule of three." Peter 
Bricl '^v had a dozen children, and George Lewis 
sixteen; George Bricker, eight; John Bricker, who 
came about a year later, six; Jacob, who came 
about 1813, five ; David came about 1817, and had 
six; Solomon came out the same year, and added 
eleven children; Lewis came in 1819, he had six; 
Catharine married John Oonlde about 1827, and 
had six children ; Eachel married John Pruner, 
and had seven. All of the original Brickers re- 
married in Liberty, except David, who is in Mor- 
gan township. 

George Lewis is dead. Of his sixteen children, 
eleven are living, viz. : Jacob, John, George, Isaac, 
Ben, Peter, Solomon, Sarah, wife of Alex. Craig, 
Phebe, Susannah Gardner, and Rachel Burkholder. 

The children of old George recollect when their 
father v jnt to Shrimplin's mill with a grist of corn, 
and left his wife and family alone, with nothing to 
eat, and the Indians prowled about the premises, 
and they feared they would not be found alive on 
his return. 

Joseph Shaw, Zach. and Bazil White, John 
Hobbs, with their families, emigrated from West- 
ern Pennsylvania about 1834, and the Tarrs, 
Coleses, Crafts, and other good families have fol- 
lowed them, and the greater portion of those in the 
" Wolf Settlement," so styled for Christopher Wolf, 
Esq., are from the same localities. 



350 HISTORY OP 

Between two of tlie old settlers there grew up a 
quarrel in 1815, and a lawsuit ensued before James 
Smith, J, P. The Reverend James, by practice as 
well as profession, a peace-maker, proposed that 
the parties should have a friendly talk, and settle 
the difficulty without recourse to law. Accordingly 
they sat down on a log and Solomon Shaffer began 
in his broken pronunciation — "Kow Mr. Lyingbar- 
ger" "sthop," cries George Lybarger, in an an- 
gry tone, " my name is not Lyingbarger, but Ly- 
barger, by G , do you wish to insult me, Sliaf- 

fer*?" "My name is not JSha/fer, but Shaf/er, 
don't call me JSJiaf fer, or tammed if I don't knock 
you down," — and the parties sprung at each other, 
when James commanded the peace in the name of 
the State, and the difficulty between the belligerent 
old dutchmen had to be settled by the law at last. 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1822. 


Frederick Carey. ' 


1844. 


Christopher "Wolf. 


1825. 


(< « 


1850. 


<( <( 


1828. 


Francis Wilkins. 


1853. 


(< « 


1831. 


<( <( 


1856. 


A. Dalrymple. 


1831. 


Cliristopter "Wolf. 


1846. 


John Inscho. 


1833. 


(< (( 


1849. 


<( 11 


1837. 


Luther Hill. 


1852. 


James Severe. 


1837. 


Joseph Shaw. 


1855. 


<( << 


1839. 


W. E. Davidson. 


1858. 


(i <c 


1842. 


(< « 


1858. 


J. H. Tarr. 


1842. 


Wm. Oram. 


1861. 


ii (( 


1842. 


Joseph Shaw. 


1861. 


Arthur Pratt. 


1847. 


Christopher Wolf. 







KNOX COUNTY. 351 



CHAPTEK XXXYI. 



HILLIAR TOWNSHIP 



Was laid off from Miller, upon petition of its 
citizens, August 28, 1818. It is the southwestern 
township of the county. The first settlement was 
called " Houck's," and was principally made up of 
the families of James and Jacob Houck and Joseph 
Jennings, who erected the first cabins, and graced 
the principal building, through Mr. Lamson, with 
the first brick chimney put up in this township. 
This settlement was about one mile southwest of 
the present village of Oenterburg. When the town- 
ship was formed the settlers agreed to the name of 
Hilliar, in compliment to Dr. Richard Hilliar, who 
was then the largest landholder residing in the 
limits ; he dwxlt in a cabin in the southwest corner. 
It had 16,000 acres of land upon the tax list in 
1830. In 1832, there were but 40 voters. In 1810, 
the population was 1,012 ; in 1850, 1,111 ; and in 
1860, 1,088. Oenterburg, its principal mart of bu- 
siness, is on the old stage route from all the "north 
countrie" to the State Oaj)ital. It is 13 miles from 
Mt. Yernon. We have heard it said that it re- 
ceived its name from the fact that Harvey Jones 
presumed it to be the exact geographical center of 
Ohio ; and many long years ago, when politicians 
and legislators threatened to move the Capital, 



352 HISTORY OP 

some of tlic oldest inliabitants there believed it 
iniglit become tlie Capital of the Buckeye State. 
If such a thing was hinted at by members who oc- 
casionally had the good luck in cold weather and 
muddy roads to call on Harvey Jones, enjoy his 
feast of fit things, and rest in his soft and downy 
beds, it is no wonder that by contrast with the then 
Columbus fare they " smiled" at the idea, and took 
anotlier encouraging horn upon the strength of it 
with " mine host." As early as 1820 travel from 
Northern Ohio to the Capital through or by this 
route dates. Business may be said to have started 
with Mr. Jones, who was the most enterprising 
man at Centerburg from 1831 until 1818. He was 
a corpulent, jovial, kind-hearted man, who held out 
by unmistakable sign that he had good fare, and 
enjoyed the good things of this world. 

In tlie early days the people were disposed to 
*' pull together" at elections. It was their custom 
to meet when the day of voting came round, and 
canvass in a friendly manner the merits of candi- 
dates, and to make their voice felt by voting 
"plumpers." The electors would set down upon 
logs before any ballots were cast, and read over the 
names upon the tickets, and settle all conflicting 
opinions by voting unanimously for the same men. 
In this way they made, as an old one of their num- 
ber said, the candidates who were defeated "to 
howl," and caused aspirants to look with fear and 
trembling for the returns from Hilliar. In 1818, 
the entire vote was 17, unanimous for Ethan A. 
Brown for Governor; Benj. Martin, Congress; 
John Spencer, State Senator; W. W. Parquhar, 



Kisrox COUNTY. 353 

Representative. In October, 1824, there was one 
stubborn man who would vote for Allen Trimble 
for Governor ; the other 14 votes were cast for 
Morrow. The first place of public entertainment 
kept in this part of Knox county was by Joseph 
Jennings. 

Great difiiculty was experienced by the early 
settlers in getting to and from mill. We find as 
early as April 26, 1810, Jacob and James Houck, 
Joseph Jennings, John and Josias Simpson, Henry 
Matthews, John Karr, John Hinton and others, 
met at doctor Hilliar's farm and united in petition- 
ing for a road to Douglass' mill. The prayer was 
granted, and Wm. Gass, Charles Cooper and Isaac 
Bonnet were appointed viewers. They met at 
Clinton at the time named, but refused to j)roceed 
to view what, in their opinion, was an unnecessary 
road. Nothing daunted, the few petitioners added 
two or three more names to their request and sent 
up another petition on the 17th of September, and 
Jabez Beers, Henry Boberts and William Mitch- 
ell, were appointed viewers, and Ichabod Marshal, 
surveyor. The viewers met and the surveyor de- 
clining to act, S. H. Smith accompanied them as 
surveyor, and returned a report and plat of the 
road, IG miles in length — the surveyor reporting "it 
can be a tolerable good road, is very good ground, 
but the viewers say that at tliis time it would be 
too burthensome to the county to open said road." 
" Ordered, therefore, that the same cannot be grant- 
ed." 

The citizens then began petitioning for a new 

23 



354 HISTORY OF 

township, wliicli they succeeded in getting in Au- 
gust, 1818, and the first election was held at the 
house of Thomas Merril. The Judges of that 
election were Joe Jennings, Jas. Houck, Jas. Pell; 
Clerks, John Borden, Wm. Eeynolds. In 1819, 
Jacob Houck listed Hilliar, and was paid a $4 
county order therefor. The same duty he per- 
formed, for like pay, in 1820. The Judges of elec- 
tion, October, 1820, were Joseph Jennings, James 
Severe, Wm. Reynolds ; Clerks, John Borden. 
John Davis. Henry Matthews, Bcnj. F. Hilliar. 
John Severe, James Pell and John Pell were other 
early voters. The Messmores, Mahannahs, Hollis- 
ters and Bottomfields were other settlers of a later 
period. John Thomas projected a town in 1834, 
but it never made headway. Bich Hill is a new 
business point that is thriving considerably. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

May 10, 1819, the Court of Common Pleas allowed Hilliar one 
Justice, and in July, Jacob Houck was elected. 

1822. Wm. Reynolds. 1827. John Borden. 

1824. Jacob Houck. 1830. " 

1835. Harvey Jones. 1833. 

1838. " " 1836. Daniel Nofsinger. 

1839. Ferdinand McLene. 1841. Gideon Sutton. 
1842. " " J 844. 

1845. Daniel Wolf. 1847. N.Borden. 

1848. " " 1850. " " 

1851. David F. Halsey. 1851. E. Nichols. 

1854. D. S. Lyon. 1854. " 

1857. T.M.Owen. 1857. " 

1860. Simon Shaffer. 1860. " 



KKOX COUIfTY. 355 



CHAPTER XXXYII. 

MILFORD TOWNSHIP. 

This township was created in 1823, March 3d, 
out of territory taken from Miller. The land is 
generally level and soil fertile. The first election 
was held the first Monday of April, 1823, at the 
school-house near the center. 

It received its name in the following manner : 
The settlers met together and various names were 
presented ; among the number Judson Lamson 
proposed that it should be called Milford, taking 
the idea from his native town Kew Milford, Con- 
necticut. Some objection was offered to every 
other name but this, and in consideration of the 
fact that Mr. Lamson Avas one of the oldest settlers, 
and also its being a Kew England name — those 
present being all from "Down East" — it was 
adopted. 

The settlers at that time were Uzziel Stephens, 
from Yermont; Gardner Bishop, Stephen Hawkins, 
John Jeffries, Jesse Smith, Harris Hawkins, from 
Rhode Island ; Wm. Beardslee and John Beards- 
lee from Kew Haven, Ct. ; Judson Lamson from 
Kew Milford, Ct. ; Aaron Hill from Massachusetts. 

The original stock now living are upon the lands 
selected by them at first, and the children and 



356 HISTOEY OF 

families of the departed, as a general thing, reside 
upon tlie old home tracts. 

They were industrious, temperate and orderly 
citizens, and their families have followed in their 
footsteps closely, as is customary in the land of 
steady habits. There was no store or trading estab- 
lishment in this township ; the citizens transacted 
their entire business at the county seat. James 
Smith preached the first sermon, and the ministe- 
rial duties since have been principally discharged 
by the Christian Church. 

Wolves were very plenty and impudent in this 
township at an early day. One of the incidents of 
those times was as follows : When Piatt G. Beards- 
ley was a boy, and out cow hunting, he lost his 
way and came upon a considerable sized swamp 
which at first he took to be a clearing ; as soon as 
he came by its side a gang of wolves set up their 
infernal howling, he took to his heels badly scared, 
and ran along Sycamore creek, the wolves follow- 
ing close at his heels ; as he neared home the dogs 
rushed out and attacked the wolves, when one of 
the dogs was torn in pieces by the wolves, and Piatt 
made his escape into the house. 

By the census of 1830, 498 inhabitants were then 
reported within its limits, and 13,472 acres of land 
returned for taxation. In 1810, the population was 
1,157 ; in 1850, 1,349 ; in 1860, 1,084. 

The two prominent points are styled the " Five 
Corners" and "Lock" — the latter is a post-office, at 
the county line, where there is some business trans- 
acted by the citizens of Knox and Licking. 

Judson Lamson was born July 14, 1779. In 



KlfOX COUNTY. 357 

1817 he settled where he now resides. By trade a 
brickmason, after preparing quarters for his family, 
he went to Mt. Yernon to purchase some supplies, 
and, on entering a store kept by " Uncle Jimmy 
Smith" to buy a few articles, he heard him regret- 
ting that he had no mason at hand to lay up a 
piece of his stone wall that had fallen down ; when 
Mr. Lamson told him that he could do it for him, 
and the bargain was struck, and he went right at 
the job and completed it to Mr. Smith's satisfaction. 
Daniel S. Norton shorth' after met him on the 
street and informed him that he held his note, 
given to Dr. Lee for medical service in attendance 
on his daughter, who had been sick from his enter- 
ing the country. The note was for $10 ; and Mr. 
L. told him that he had no money to pay him, and 
did not know when he would have so much, as 
money was a scarce article in those times. Mr. 
Korton at once replied, I do not want your money, 
but your work, if the note is right — accordingly 
took his second job of work in underpinning the 
house where IS^. then resided, on the lot where 
Judge Hurd now lives, on Main street. While 
working there old John Warden, who lived opposite, 
came across and said, " you beat all men to work 
I have ever known, you do two days work in one." 
And the remark was literally true. He subse- 
quently worked on the brick building, Avliere 
Daniel S. Norton formerly resided, on High street, 
near the raih-oad depot, now the "Buckeye house," 
and did almost all his other work at the mills, 
quarrying stone, etc. Mr. L., and his son Levi J., 
have contributed greatly to the improvement of 



358 HISTORY OP 

Mt. Yernon and tlie surrounding country. Among 
the buildings erected, under liis superintendence, 
we may mention the Pyle block. Browning & Mil- 
ler's block, Norton block, on Main street, the resi- 
dence of 0. Delano, Esq., and many other of the 
best structures in town and county. Mr. L. also 
worked at his trade in various j)arts of this county 
and Licking county. He has also been a success- 
ful farmer, and now, at a good old age, enjoys a 
competency and the respect of his fellow-men. 
His son, Le\d. J., and his daughter, Mrs. W. A. 
Disney, reside near him, and other descendants in 
the west. 

The McKowns were among the settlers at the 
time of organization, and worthy of notice at our 
hands. The old patriarch, James McKown, was a 
soldier of the Revolutionary war, and wounded at 
the battle of Brandy wine. In 1820, with a portion 
of his family, he moved to this county from Vir- 
ginia, and died in 1S50 at the good old age of 98. 
His wife smwived until 1852, Avhen she died, aged 
103 years. We recollect well the zeal of the old 
soldier in behalf of General Harrison for the Pres- 
idency. He was master of ceremonies at the great 
Barbecue of 1810, when the big ox was roasted 
whole. Of his children we make this record : — 
Gilbert McKown moved from Milford to Virginia ; 
James moved to Illinois, where he has since died ; 
Phoebe, wife of Joseph Tegarden, lives in Linn 
count}^ Mo. ; Samuel came to this county in 1820, 
and settled where he died, in his 70th year, in 1861. 
Kine children are living, to wit : Bev. Samuel S., 
of the Christian Church, now in Northern Ohio ; 



KNOX COUNTY. 359 

Isaac, Jolin, Hosmer, and Gilbert E.; Minerva, 
Mrs. Ira Gearhart, Cynthia, Mrs. David GotshaU, 
Emaline L., Mrs. John Gotsliall, and Miss Marga- 
ret, all of tliis county. Gilbert E. is a resident 
dentist, Mt. Vernon. Jolm Jeffries had six chil- 
dren ; of this number those who survive are, Mary 
Ann, wife of Smith Bishoj) ; Laura, widow of 
David Hill ; Almira, wife of Johnston King, and 
Olney Jeffries, of Mt. Yernon. Preserve Smith 
and Dr. Plaves have been residents for many vears. 
The brothers Beardslee, William and John, na- 
tives of Stratford, and the HaAvkinses, Harris and 
Stephen, natives of Rhode Island, may be classed 
amono' the earlv settlers who contributed to the 
advancement of Milford. The Beardslees are de- 
scendants of the Hev. John Beardslee, of Stratford, 
on Avon, Shakesj)ear's home. William Beardslee 
married Eunice Gardner, of Hancock, Berkshire 
CO., Mass., and emigrated west. They moved to 
Ohio, and we find William a resident of Granville 
in 1814 : subsequently of Homer, and from thence, 
in 1S18, he cut the road with his own hands for 
three miles to get to his land, where he afterwards 
resided. The road to this day is known as the 
Beardslee road. Their sons now living are Col. 
Piatt G., of Milford, Job H. G., of Union county, 
Dr. Wm. B., and John Binns, of Mount Yernon. 
The daughters living are Catharine, widow of Eras- 
tus Bouse, deceased, Betsy, wife of George L. 
Benedict, Adaline, wife of Lieut. IS^athan Bostwick, 
all of this county. Mary, who married Arnold 
Hildreth, is dead. William Beardslee, sr., at the 
advanced age of 79, and his wife, aged 76 years. 



360 HISTORY OP 

are living in this county, surrounded by children 
and grand children to the number of 70. John 
Beardslee married Mary Eitch, of New Haven, Ot., 
and emigrated to Knox. Their cbildren are Geo. 
E., of Milford, Dr. Charles, editor of the Herald^ 
Oskaloosa, Iowa, Henry, Galesburg, HI., Elizabeth, 
wife of Nathaniel McDaniel, Mary and Melissa. 
The original Hawkinses were Harris and Stephen. 
The former had the following children : Ephraim, 
Harris and Daniel, all li^dng at and about the old 
homestead, and Charles in Illinois. Margaret, 
twin sister of Harris, married Almon Mitchel. 
Martha married Mr. Rice, and Clarissa died. Ste- 
phen Hawkins is dead. His first wife, who was a 
Belknap, is also dead, and of their children the 
following have died : Col. Emor B., Joseph, Ste- 
phen and Laura. Their son William married Miss 
Reach. They are now living in Milford, and Sally 
Ann and Mary, two girls, the latter b}^ second mar- 
riage, survive. 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1823. Natli'l Stoughtou. 1S26. Natli'l Stougliton. 

1823. Jolm Stephens. 1829. 

1826. John Jeffries. 1830. Sylvanus Mitchell. 

1829. " " 1833. " " 

1832. " " 1838. David L. Hill. 

1835. Smith Bishop. 1841. 

1836. Piatt G. Beard&ley. 1842. Joseph Montagna. 
1839. " " 1845. Emor B. Hawkins. 
1848. James Conden. 1849. Smith Bishop. 
1848. Wm. Orme. 1852. John Litzenhurg. 
1851. " " 1855. Silas Jaggers. 
1854. .John Stephens. 1858. David Pattison. 
1857. " " 1861. 

1860. Geo. F. Beardslee. 



KNOX COUNTY. 361 



CHAPTER XXXYIII. 

MILLER TOWNSHIP 

The first time this name occurs on the Journals 
reads thus: — "Miller Township special election, 
1816, June 4th, judges Jonathan Hunt, jr., Wm. 
Bare, Lemuel Chapman ; clerks, James Miller, 
John Mott." Thus Miller appears to have sprung 
suddenly into existence as a township, without any 
of the preliminary symptoms, or pains and pangs 
of parturition. One thing we do know, and that 
is this, the township was named after one of its 
earliest settlers, James Miller, Esq., a very wortliy 
gentleman, who possessed to an extraordinary de- 
gree the respect and confidence of his compeers. 
He was a small man, with a strong mind and ex- 
cellent sense; a native of Vermont, and in compa-. 
ny with Turner, a deist, who was a quick, clever 
old man, and wrote poetry, and went about repeat- 
ing it, made the first settlement. John Olney, 
and Emor Harris, Cyrus Gates and James Sealts 
were also early settlers. They were mostly from 
Vermont and E-hode Island. In early times this 
was called the "Beech Settlement." 

Its population in 1830, was 548; in 1840, 977; 
in 1850, 1,064 ; in 1860, 996. 

One of the first houses Avas a small log cabin, in 
the south-east corner, put up by Vance, whose sons 



862 HISTORY OF 

John and Jacob, with their families, are living in 
the township. Oornelins Thomj)Son of Hardy co., 
Ya., settled in this township in 1810. His son 
now lives near the old home, in his 52d year ; his 
daughter, Mrs. Scott is at Pataskala, Licking co. 
The Hildreth name has long been associated with 
this township. The old stock came from Marlboro, 
Ct. Wm. Hildreth emigrated to ZanesAdlle, in 
1812, and here in 1828 ; he died, and his children 
living are John M., in Mt. Yernon ; Wm. at Scott's 
Corners, Union co.; Arnold and Epaphro in Mil- 
ler township. 

In 1810, at the October election, 33 votes were 
polled : for Worthington, 32 ; Ethan A. Brovai, 1. 
The judges of election and clerks in 1816 and 1817 
were Rufus Ward, Wm. Campbell, Jonathan Hunt, 
Jr., Timothy Colopy and John H. Simonds. In 
1818, the same officers, except Campbell, whose 
place was supplied by Titus Hill ; and these consti- 
tuted the board of election of 1819. In 1820, Ru- 
fus Ward, James Miller and Wm. Beardslee were 
judges, and Timothy Colopy and Enoch E. Kinney 
clerks. In 1821, the same, except Miller, whose 
place was supplied by Phineas Squire. 

The old veteran, Rufus Ward, is worthy of special 
notice as a faithful soldier, who participated in the 
battle of White Plains, the capture of Burgoyne, 
and various other battles of the Revolution. He 
was born at Boston, Mass., in 1758, married Eliza- 
beth Barnes, of Southington, Conn., and emigrated 
from Yermont in Eebruary, 1811, to the place where 
he died September 8, 1831, in his 76th year. His 
widow died June 19, 1819, aged 85, and was a U.S. 



KNOX COUNTY. 363 

pensioner for many years. Seven cliildren snrvive, 
viz. : j^Irs. Mary Hinds, in Indiana; Mrs. Elizabeth 
Rowley, widow of Samnel ; Mrs. Abigail Gabriel, 
wife of John Gabriel, of Colnmbus ; Jonas, col- 
lector, at Piqua ; Rufus, farmer, of Miller ; Dr. Tru- 
man, druggist, at Mt. Yernon ; and Levi, merchant, 
at Bollville. Emma, wife of Alpheus Chapman, is 
dead, as also her husband. 

Col. Royal D. Simons emigrated from Connecti- 
cut in 1810. He was a man of education and 
talent, possessed of a very social disposition, and 
served the people as Assessor and Representative 
for several terms. His children living are Louisa, 
wife of J. W. Lybrand, and Caroline, mfe of C. P. 
Young, both residing at Richland Center, Wiscon- 
sin. Mrs. Lybrand's only child Hving (George D.) 
is at the same place. 

Timothy Colopy, a warm-hearted Irishman, had 
lived in Maryland and Yirginia' until 1813, when 
he settled in this township. He died in Mt. Yer- 
non in his 68th year, and his widow died about 
1852, aged 72 years. His surviving children are 
Jacob, Mary, Mrs. Levi Sai)p, Sarah, Mrs. E. J. 
Zimmerman, and Matilda, wife of H. Conley, in 
Iowa. Timothy was a devout Catholic and a zeal- 
ous Democrat, liberal and generous, public-spirited 
and benevolent. He was an excellent Justice of 
the Peace, and a much-esteemed citizen. 

Col. Emor Harris emigrated from Rhode Island 
in 1817; died in 1850, aged 58. His wife, Sarah 
Sweet, whom he married in Rhode Island, is living 
in her 65th year. They had eight children; five 
survive, viz. : Caroline, wife of R. C. Walker, in 



364 HISTORY OF 

Delaware county; Mrs. Mary Miller; Emor Brown, 
also a native of this township; and Henry and 
Sarah, upon the old home place. 

Philip Dennis, of Maryland, for many years re- 
sided in this township with his accomplished wife, 
Ann Dennis, who deceased in 1854. They were 
among the most intelligent and best citizens. 

"The Eour Corners" was the name by which the 
principal settlement went. A post-ofi&ce was estab- 
lished at this point, Eebruary 15, 1839, called "Hil- 
dreth's," and Miner Hildreth was appointed post- 
master. After Hildreth resigned, the name was 
changed to "Brandon," and H. C. Lockwood was 
ai)pointcd. In the spring of 1851, H. removed to 
Danville, where he is engaged in the mercantile 
business. Brandon is six miles from Mt. Yernon, 
and four from Homer. It has two churches, two 
stores, two blacksmith and wagon shops, one steam 
sawmill, one tavern. The denominational preach- 
ing is Methodist Episcopal, Baptist and Christian. 
Revs. John Mitchell and Moffett, Methodist, Rev. 
M. Herod, Christian, Rev. J. G. Tunison, Baptist, 
are the regular ministers. 

CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1816. John Mott, jr., and re-elected in 1S19, 1822 and 1825. 

181G. John J. Tulloss, " 

1820. James MiHer, and again elected 1825. 

1825. Royal D. Simons. 1828. John Morey. 

1831. Tim. Colopy. 1832. Nathaniel Lo.sh. 

1831. Emor Harris, reelected 1834, 1837, 1840, 1843, 1846 and 

1849. 
1836. E. S. S. Rouse, re-elected 1839 and 1842. 
1845. James Ozborn, re-elected 1848. 

1850. Erastus Rouse, re-elected 1853 and 1856. 

1851. W. B. Beardslee. 

1850. Rufus Ward, re-elected 1853, 1856, 1859 and 1862. 
1858. Jesse Babbs, re-elected 1861. 



KNOX COUNTY. 365 



CHAPTEE XXXIX. 

MORGAN TOWNSHIP. 

In the first division of the county one of the four 
townships was called Morgan, in honor of the 
brave native of [N^ew Jersey, Daniel Morgan, the 
distinguished General in our Revolutionary war, 
who was a member of Congress from 1795 to 1799, 
and died July 6, 1802 ; and in the general reorgani- 
zation of townships in March, 1825, it was reduced 
to its present limits. Under the old dispensation 
we find the total number of voters at the October 
election, 1809, to have been 13. In October, 1813 
Moses Merrit, Jacob Hanger, Abraham Oarnes 
were Judges; John Dunlap and John Boyle, 
Clerks. The number of voters had increased to 27, 
and among them were Jonathan Agnew, Ben. 
Leonard, Wm. Beam, Wm. Knight, Geo. Cooper, 
Philip Melker, Jacob Smith, and Smith Hadley. 
Other early settlers, besides the above named, were 
John Losh, Philip Smith, Thompson and Michael 
Mills, Abner and David Brown, Joseph and John 
Harris, John and Adam Fox, John Vance, sr., and 
John, jr., Jacob Babb, Azariah Davis, Titus Bigby, 
Cornelius Callighan, and the Harrods. The only 
ones of this old set now known to be living are 
Smith Hadley, Levi, Wm. and Sam. Harrod, and 
Philip Smith. Hadley is in Centerburg, Levi and 



366 HISTORY OF 

Sam. Harrod in Clay, and Wni. Harrod in Indi- 
ana, where lie moved some fourteen years ago. 
Philip Smith lives on Big Run, where he first lo- 
cated. His sons James and Wm. are in Olav, his 
daughter, Mrs. Henry McLain, is in this townt^hip, 
and Rebecca, wife of George Swank, lives in Union 
county. John J. Tulloss, a Captain in the war of 
1812, emigrated from Fauquier co., Ya., in 1807. 
He was a brick maker, school teacher, and farmer, 
first in Licking and afterwards in Knox; his widow 
is living, aged 76, w^ith her children. 

In 1816, at the October election, there were 35 
voters. Among these was Caleb Pumphry, who 
died in 1817. There is not one of this familv now 
living in the county. They were very kind and 
hospitable, zealous Methodists, and as their house 
was a sort of head-quarters for itinerants, the fame 
of Pumphry's tavern, as it was called, was quite ex- 
tensive. Bernard Recce was another old settler ; 
and another was Wm. Green, of Maryland, who 
moved into Morgan from Licking co., in 1816 ; he 
died in 1856. Of his 10 children the only ones 
living are Daniel of Harrison, Hugh of Chesterville, 
Mrs. B. McClurg and Mrs. J. Kegg in Indiana. 
Anotlier father of 10 was Bennet Thompson, of 
Ya., whose only child now in Knox is James, who 
was born in this township in 1827, married Maha- 
la, daughter of Jesse Larue, in 1850, and has six 
children, of whom George Washington and Thomas 
Jefferson, noAv five years old, are twins. 

John P. McLain emigrated from Seneca co., Pa., 
in 1828, and was for many years a prominent citi- 
zen. He was a large operator in stock and farm- 



KNOX COUKTY. 367 

ing, and about 1836-8, was interested in a store in 
Mt. Yernon ; he died in 1858, in liis 61st year. 
His sons, Charles S. and Abijah, are in Morgan^ 
and Wm. in TVys^ndot co. His daughters, Mrs. 
Sarah Welsh and Mrs. Amelia Hnfty are in Craw- 
ford CO.; Mary, wife of Morgan Booze and Cassan- 
dra, Levi Sellers are in this township. C. S. mar- 
ried Miss Berryhill ; Henry Miss Smith, and Abi- 
jah, Miss Hook. 

Simon Litzenburg emigrated from Washington 
county. Pa., to this township in 1829, bought part 
of the celebrated prairie farm, and has lived upon 
it ever since. He is nOw in his 79th year. Henry 
Barnes married one of his daughters, and Dr. M. 
H. Litzenburg, of Cheviot, is one of his sons. 

The West brothers and the E warts are deserving 
of notice. The former were natives of Brooke 
county, Ya. Samuel, in 1830, emigrated from 
Washing-ton county. Pa;, and is now in his 77th 
year. His wife, Mary Clear, was also a native of 
Yirginia, and is yet living. Of their eight children, 
four are living — Alexander Clear at the old home- 
stead ; William H., of Logan county ; Thomas in 
Morrow county ; and Samuel, a Baptist preacher, 
in South English, Iowa. Amos West, Sr. is living, 
in his 72d year; has had 11 children, of whom those 
living are : Enos, in Tazewell county. Ills. ; Wil- 
liam in Morgan ; Joe in Pleasant ; John in Le 
Boy, Ills. ; Amos in Buchanan county, Iowa ; 
Margaret in Morgan ; Ann Eliza, wife of John 
Penick ; and Elizabeth Woodruff. These are de- 
scendants of Jonathan West, one of the first born 
in Brooke county, Ya. 



368 



HISTORY OF 



The E warts are from Greene county, Pa., and 
natives of Ireland— Robert and John, and their 
sisters, Mrs. Haver and Mrs. Ewart. John died 
in 1858. Haver emigrated from Greene county, 
Pa. They are intelligent and industrious people. 

Jesse AJattocks, a native of Erie co.. Pa., who 
married Elizabeth Johnson, and has had six chil- 
dren, is worthy of note for two reasons, first, he 
has served 13 years as constable, and second, he 
furnished the country round with their baskets for 
gathering' corn, for many years, and therein has 
been a benefactor. 

In 1830, the inhabitants numbered 653, and 
16,582 acres were upon the tax list; in 1840, there 
were 912 inhabitants; in 1850, 823; in 1860, 688 

CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, 



1810. 


John Harrod. 


1839. 


Jacob S perry. 


1815. 


John Green. 


1833. 


James H. Smith, 


1817. 


Peter Veatch. 


1836. 


John Clutter, 


1818. 


Jacob Hanger. 


]839. 


■ 4 << 


1819. 


John Wheeler. 


1842. 


(C (( 


1820. 


Thomas Smith. 


1845. 


H H 


1821. 


Peter Veatch. 


1842. 


Jacob Bell. 


1822. 


John Wheeler. 


1845. 


i( (< 


1825. 


K (( 


1848. 


C. S. McLain. 


1830. 


Ziba Leonard. 


1851. 


(( « 


1821. 


Jacob Hanger. 


1854. 


(1 X 


1824. 


<i (( 


1855. 


John Miller. 


1827. 


<( (( 


1857. 


Henry Barnes. 


1831. 


<( (1 


1858. 


A. H. Thornhill. 


1830. 


Jacob Sparry. 


1860. 


Carey Bell. 


1833. 


tt (( 


1860. 


James Campbell 


1836. 


<< <c 







KNOX COUNTY. 369 

CHAPTER XL. 

PLEASANT TOWNSHIP 

March 9, 1825, this township was created, and 
named on account of its delightful views. Its set- 
tlement was much retarded by large landholders. 
In 1830, it had 918 inhabitants ; in 1810, 1,888 ; 
in 1850, 909 ; and in 1860, 828. Among its earliest 
and best settlers were the Melkers, Grahams, 
Yeatches, Laymans, Herrods, Hunts, Patricks, 
Bechtels, Buckinghams, Walkers, Stinemetses,, 
Schnobleys, Boatys, Lettses, Crawfords, Grouses,. 
Golvilles, Morrisons, Swans, Rohrers, Dunns, and 
their connections. The settlers have been princi- 
pally from Western Pennsylvania, Virginia, and 
Maryland. Several good mill seats within this 
township have been improved and occupied by 
John Kerr, Elisha Gibbs, the Morrisons, N^oitons, 
Hadley and Miller ; and several distilleries have in 
the past been propelled successfully. The princi- 
pal business has been farming and stock raising, at 
which many have grown rich. 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1825. 


David Ash. 


1845. 


Robert Graham 


1825. 


Frc'clerick llolirer. 


1848. 


i( (( 


1828. 


(> •( 


1851. 


<( u 


1831. 


<i (> 


1854. 


<( (( 


1832. 


James Parks. 


18(11. 


Henry McLain. 


1832. 


Silas Brown. 


1839. 


Jas. 1). Porter. 


1835. 


11 <i 


1842. 


(< (C 


1837. 


Alviii Foote. 


1845. 


Richard Hunt 


1858. 


li^ nry McLain. 


1848. 


It <( 


1827. 


IL-.rvey Brown. 


1851. 


<( a 


1835. 


Kolurt Graham. 


1854. 


Johr^ Colvilla. 


1839. 


<i ti 


1857. 


J. V. Parks. 


1842. 


<i <i 


ISGO. 


>i « 


24 









370 HIST OB Y OB' 



CHAPTER XLI. 

CLAY TOWNSHIP. 

O^ the 9tli of Marcli, 1825, this township was 
created, and honored with tlie name of the great 
American commoner, Henry Clay. The surface 
of the country is uneven, the soil is generally very 
fertile, and the tillers of it have ever heen among 
our foremost for industry and intelligence. Iri 
1830, the population was 1,300, and upwards of 
15,000 acres were returned for taxation. In 1810, 
the inhabitants counted 1,301 ; in 1850, 1,210 ; in 
1860, there were 1,098 white and 10 colored per- 
sons. There were six industrial establishments, 
producing to the value of $10,830. Among the 
old settlers were Ziba Leonard, I. D. Johnson, the 
Elliotts, the Greens, the Barneses, Yances, Pol- 
lock, Paul, Harrods, Larrisons. Insley D. Johnson, 
from about 1823 until 1837, was in business, and 
during the latter part of his mercantile existence 
was one of the heaviest operators in produce in 
Central Ohio. David Lawman, of Rockingham 
CO., Ya., came here in 1833 ; he is engaged in 
farming and milling. The Boggs family have 
been among the good citizens of this township for 
many years. The oldest was William, a native of 
Virginia. His sou William, the first white child 
born in Belmont, died in Richland co., about 1835. 
William, sr., died about 1851, aged 98 years, and 



KlfOX COUNTY. 371 

Elizabeth liis wife died in 1861, aged 93 years. 
Their children, John and Ezekiel, born in Belmont, 
have been long known to our citizens. Ezekiel 
served as Representative, and died in 1853. His 
wife is living in Clay. John Boggs married a 
danghter of one of the old settlers, Catharine Ste- 
phenson. Mary married Wallace Mc Williams, and 
lives in Kansas. 

Martinsburg has ever possessed a very patriotic 
population. At the celebration of July 1, 1861, 
addresses were made by Henry Hervey and A. J. 
Lyon, and a good dinner eaten. An accident oc- 
curred to mar the pleasures. John Clark had t^'o 
of his fingers shot off by discharge of a small can- 
non. Martinsburg contains 300 inhabitants. It 
was part styled Hanover, and the other part Wil- 
liamsburg, and the present name is a compromise. 
The following are the artisans and business men : 
Philo Higgins, blacksmith; E. Hardiman, tailor; 
wagon maker, Wm. Henderson ; saddlers, M. L. 
Dayton, J. M. Bowland ; shoemakers, S. Ejdwell, 
S. Hollabaugh, S. D. Rouse, M. Chandler, A. Lyon ; 
Wm. Penick carries on a tanyard ; A. & R. Barnes 
and Thomas Rodgers are the merchants ; M. L. 
Dayton sells groceries ; D. Booze keeps the tavern. 
The physicians are D. H. RalstonTPeter Pickard, 
and S. B. Dodd. There are five churches : Pres- 
byterian, Rev. H. Hervey ; Methodist, Rev. A. J. 
Lyon ; Eree Presbyterian, Rev. J. Whitam ; Bap- 
tist, Rev. Gr. Tunison ; Associate Reformed, Rev. 
G. Torrance. Its schools are good, and the Rev. 
Henry Hervey deserves special commendation for 
his long and faithful service in the cause of christi- 



372 HISTORY OF 

anity and education. Eor over 35 years lie lias 
devoted himself zealously to tlie work in tliis place. 
J. M. Coulter is Principal of the Academy ; A. S. 
Kerr and Miss Susan Jennings are also teachers. 
The only men now living in the village who were 
here in 1822 are W. McOreary, 0. Barkalow, and 
W. Mc Williams. The post-office was established 
by the name of Hanover in 1820, and changed 
afterwards to Martinsburg. The postmasters have 
been I. T>. Johnson (S. P. Warden, deputy), Jacob 
Pearson, Wesley Spratt, J. H. Pierson, W. Mc- 
Oreary, Johnson, W. McWilliams, and W. Mc- 
Oreary. 

Since the foregoing was written, the patriotism 
of Clay and Morgan has been verified, by the spon- 
taneous uprising of the hardy sons to defend the 
soil of Ohio from invasion, when, under Captain 
I^orton, and Lieutenants Bell and JMercer, they re- 
sponded to Governor Tod's call ; and, assisted by 
Capt. Baugli and Lieutenants Mefford and Church, 
and Captain Israel's companies, thet/ saved Cincin- 
nati from the devouring Secessionists. 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1827. 


James Elliott. 


1831. 


W. McCreaiy, 


1830. 


(1 ti 


1834. 


<< (( 


1833. 


W. Spratt. 


1837. 


<( (< 


1839. 


James Paul. 


1840. 


« (( 


1842. 


<( <( 


1843. 


<l u 


1845. 


Wallace McWilliams. 


184G. 


(C (< 


1846. 


John Boggs. 


1855. 


Mercer McFadden, 


1848. 


Wallace McWilliams. 


1857. 


W. McWilliams. 


1849. 


John Boggs. 


1858. 


Isaac Bell. 


1851. 


W. McWilliams. 


1860. 


W. McWilliams. 


1852. 


John Boggs. 


1860. 


James Elliott. 


1854. 


W. McWilliam8. 







KNOX COUNTY. 373 



OHAPTEK XLII. 

JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 

In honor of General Andrew Jackson, the Com- 
missioners, on the 4th of September, 1815, erected 
this township. John Mills, Jacob Lepley, and 
Joseph Kerr were the first judges of election, and 
James Thomas and David Melick the clerks. 

In 1816, there were 35 voters. Jacob Lepley 
was the first lister, and Abraham Carpenter first 
appraiser. This, the south-eastern township of the 
countv, is watered bv the Wakatomika ; the ground 
is generally rolling, but quite productive. In 1830 
the inhabitants numbered 626 ; in 1810, 991 ; in 
1850, 1,080 ; in 1860, 960. The only town and 
post-office is Bladensburg ; it contains 200 inhab- 
itants. 

Washington Houck kept the first tavern, in 
1833, and continued it, with short intermission, 
till tlie present date. Tliomas Axtell kept the sec- 
ond house of entertainment, about 1838 ; he was a 
good citizen, and emigrated to Indiana. James 
Loveridge for a short time kept tavern ; and John 
Hannah now keeps the hotel. 

The first goods sold in this town were by John 
Wheeler, who was for many years engaged in mer- 
chandising at Bladensburg. He took great delight 
in tlie militia trainings, being a captain ; in the 
Christian church, being an elder ; in the Whig 



374 HISTORY OF 

party, being a committee-man. In all respects, 
long was John Wheeler a good citizen ; lie now 
lives, at an advanced age, in Iowa. The second 
store was carried on by W. Houck, who for twelve 
years sold goods. T. Axtell, Peter Berry, James 
Loveridge, Alphonso Byam, T. & 0. L. Marquand, 
have also sold goods there. The present merchants 
are, Mark Hammond and Samuel Richard. 

The first Disci})le Church in the State was gotten 
up by John Wheeler, W. Houck, Elijah Harris, 
and their wives, about 1833. They have a neat 
Church edifice, of which the Rev. Yan Yoris is 
minister. The Presbyterians have also a church 

building, in which Rev. Brougli officiates. 

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was the 
first house of worship built in the township. Thos. 
Axtell was the most active in getting up the church. 
James Elliott was mainly instrumental in building 
the O. S. Presbyterian meeting-house. The Meth- 
odists worship in the Presbyterian Church. 

The present mechanics are, John Upfold, tailor ; 
Thomas Hilman, wagon-maker ; Lew. Husser and 
Wilson Hartupee, blacksmiths ; the Baltzells, An- 
drew, John and Joseph, and James Ross, shoema- 
kers ; Lemuel Hall, carpenter ; Richard Mavis, 
cabinet-maker. A good school is kept up in the 
village, of which Mr. Camj)bell is teacher. 

A grist-mill is in the town, formerly carried on 
by Houck, now by James Gaub. Within a half 
mile, another mill is carried on by Mr. Schooler. 

About 1852, James Harris started a pottery, 
which is now owned by James Green. The clay 
is excellent, and some very good ware has been 



KNOX COUifTT. 375 

turned out at tliis manufactory, whicli is sold in 
adjoining towns. 

Among tlie old citizens whose names should 
appear in this sketch, are Adam Early wine, Jacob 
Strieker, Gleorge and James Melick, William and 
Robert Wilson, Daniel Blue, John Hammel, Wm. 
Braddock, the Hills, the Horns, the McCammets, 
the Halls, the Dennys and Stephensons. 

Washington Houck, of Huntington county, Pa., 
moved to Knox county, Clay township, in 1805, 
where he resided until 1833, when he moved to 
Jackson. 

Joseph Scott, Wm. Eawdon, David and Daniel 
Strieker, Daniel Mossholder, Peter Miller, Philip 
Dennis, George Holt and Christian Baughman, 
have been citizens of long standing. 

Col. James Elliott, long a resident of Clay, who 
has officiated as Justice and Representative, now 
resides in Bladensburg. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

April 15, 1815, two Justices were allowed tLis township, to be 
chosen at the house of Joseph Kerr. 

Juuuavy 13, 1816, Jacob Lepley and David Melick were elected, 
and Lepley was re-elected in 1819 and in 1822. 

1820. Thomas Hall. 1838. W. K. Corbin. 

1823. " " 1836. S. C. Porterfield. 

1824» David Melick. 1847. James Mvers. 

1827. " " " A. C. Scott. 

1829. John Stephenson. 1850. W. H. Blue. 

" R. C. Davis. " James Myers. 

1832. " " 1853. Daniel Gault. 

1835. " " " W. K. Corbin. 

1S38. " " 1856. J. S. McCammen. 

1831. A. Darling. 1859. 

1832. W. K. Cjrbin. 1857. James Blunt. 
1835. " " 1860. Wm. Darling. 



376 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 

This townsliip was created in Marcli, 1825, and 
named after Richard Butler, Major-General of the 
U. S. A., killed by the Indians in the great battle 
between them and Gen. St. Clair, ISov. 4, 1791. 
He was one of the bravest of the brave, and as he 
lay upon the ground helpless and bleeding from 
wounds received in the battle, the savages scalped 
and tomahawked him. 

We have been at considerable pains to find out 
the origin of the name, and were led for some time 
to believe that it was given in compliment to the 
sturdy old settlers, the Butlers, but have become 
satisfied from our investigation that the object was 
to perpetuate with the names of Gens. Knox, Har- 
rison, Jackson, Pike, the fame of the ill-fated brave 
Richard Butler. The land is generally rough and 
broken, and the population has usually been smaller 
than in any other township. The wild and pictur- 
esque scenery, giving an air of romance to mucli of 
the country, we must believe contributes to the 
health of the people, if we take Joe Stotts, Ben. 
Butler, Nich. Riley, Geo. Sturgeon, Abe Darling, 
and others of the oldest settlers now living, as evi- 
dence. The Lepleys, Jacob, George and Joseph, 
the Shrimplins, Abraham and William, the Camp- 



KNOX COUNTY. 877 



bells, tlie Morningstars, tlie Horns, the Ham mills, 
tlie Carpenters, the Burkholders, the Oogginses, the 
McLarnens, the Darlings, the Wolfs, the Melicks, 
the Gambles, have been long residents of this town- 
ship. John Busenburg, Philip Ely, Benj. Hugh, 
John Jones, Sam. Cermerer, Jesse Ashcroft, W. 
Beaty, Job Lewis, Elijah Earqnhar, Wm. Seamen 
and Ephraim Thornberg also lived in it many 
years ago. Orange HoUister for many years was 
one of the most active and useful citizens, spending 
many thousand dollars among tlie people erecting 
mills and machinery for their benefit ; he is now 
living in Iowa, and Ben. Butler is operating the 
mills. Robert Giffin was another useful man in 
the milling line, and his death was much of a loss. 
John R. Gamble was much noted for his business 
qualifications. Nicholas Eilcy emigrated from 
Washington co.. Pa., in 1805, to Coshocton co., and 
in 1807 to Knox ; he is in his 82d year. We have 
the following account of his offi^spring: William 
lives in Illinois ; Harriet, wife of Abraham Dar- 
ling, is in Wayne ; Eliza, wife of Isaac Wood, Ra- 
chel, wife of John Welker, jr., Susan, wife of Geo. 
Spurgeon, and Almira, wife of Amos Wolf, all live 
in Illinois ; Abraliam is dead ; George, Mcholas 
and Hannah live in Butler ; and Mary, Mrs. Wm. 
Parks, lives in Hancock county. 

In 1830, the population was 419 ; in 1810, 617 ; 
in 1850, 763 ; and in 1860, 727. About 1817, a 
post-office called Owl Creek was kept by Abraham 
Darling as postmaster, but the Judge, some fifteen 
years ago, became tired of and gave it up. Many 
years since there was a store kept in this township, 



378 HISTORY OF 

and a post-office was establislied thereat called 
'' Hollister's," but it has been discontinued. 

Uncle Bob and Aunt Hetty Giffin were noted 
characters. They selected the most romantic spot 
on Owl Creek for their residence, and amid the 
rough, rugged and wild scenery known in olden 
time as " the rocks" — of later days as " the caves" 
— they dwelt and raised a large and respectable 
family. As early as 1820, they put up Giffin's 
mills : we say tlieij, for everything thereabouts was 
their joint work, and could not have been created 
without the two were united in the undertaking. 
He was quiet, peaceable, with a well-developed 
mind and an uncommon good judgment. She was 
violent, resolute and determined, with a strong 
heart and great physical power. Whatever plans 
were matured and work determined upon, she put 
into execution with a warrior spirit. 

CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

In 1820, Josepli Dunlap was a Justice in this " neck of woods," 
and was again elected in 1824; in 1825, Jacob Lepley; in 1826, 
Daniel Camj)liell. 

1829. David Campbell. 1831. Charles Nyhart. 

1831. Horatio G. Coolej. 1837. Eli Cummings. 

1834. " " 1840. " 

1837. Wm. Coggins. 1840. James McLaurin. 

1841. David Barnhard. 1843. Wm. Coggins. 

1844. " " 1843. C. Musser. 

1848. James Frisby. 1846. " " 

1849. C. Musser. 1851. C. C. Gamble. 
1852. " " 1852. C. Tym. 
1858. C. C. Gamble. 1855. Doty Farmer. 

1860. Wm. Killer. 1857. Jas. McCammcnt. 

1861. Joseph Haramill. 



KNOX COUNTY. 379 



CHAPTEK XLiy. 

HARRISON TOWNSHIP. 

On tlie 9tli of March, 1825, another township 
was laid out, and named after General Wm. Henry 
Harrison. 

In 1830, there were 726 inhabitants ; in 1810, 
833 ; in 1850, 751 ; and in 1860, 778. 

The earliest settlers were Wendel Melker, Adam 
Lybarger, the Gorsuches, Peter Wolf, Joseph Horn, 
Benjamin Horn, Andrew Oasto, the Dudgeons, the 
Biggses, the Schoolers, PhiJip Melker, Isaac Cohen, 
Arthur Pawcett, the Welkers. The Dudgeons, 
among these, deserve more than a passing notice. 
Three brothers and a sister, at an early day, settled 
in this wilderness region. In company with their 
father, they had crossed the Atlantic in 1801. 
Simon, Moses and Hugh Dudgeon, brothers, were 
natives of Ireland, who came to this country poor 
and penniless, and by honest industry acquired a 
competency. Simon had served six months as a 
British soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was 
in his 26th year, of great physical strength, reso- 
lute and determined. He landed in the city of 
^ew York with only an English shilling in his 
pocket, which he paid out to a washerwoman for 
washing his clothes. He worked, as he could get 
employment, in Vermont, Connecticut and Kew 



380 HISTORY OF 

York, and lived with his father and brotliers^ 
Thomas and Hugh, for eight years, nntil he accu- 
mulated $1000 ; and with that, in 1810, he started 
from Delaware county, N. Y., west to hunt a better 
location, visited Knox county, and bought the tract 
of land upon which he erected his house and lived 
until death. He went to Washington county. Pa., 
married, and returned to his land in 1811. The 
issue of this marriage was ten children. Xlne are 
now living, to wit : Charles, Moses, David, Simon, 
May, John, and Andrew in Harrison township; 
William, Jane, Mrs. Horn, in Auglaize county. 
Simon, Sr. first bought three quarter sections of 
land, and added to it by purchase till, at his death, 
he luid 712 acres. He was very industrious and 
domestic in his habits. 

Paul Welker, one of the oldest settlers in that 
part of the county, tells, with much humor, the 
way in which ho first became aware of Dudgeon 
being in the county. He was out hunting one day, 
and having chased a deer into some underbrush in 
some frog-ponds, was startled by t]ie sound of an 
axe cutting wood ; he stealthily approached the 
spot from whence the noise proceeded, expecting to 
find an Indian, when, greatly to his surprise, he 
discovered our pioneer chopping trees to make a 
cabin. He had not heard of this new comer, and 
could but express his astonishment tliat lie should 
have cliosen a spot back of the big frog-ponds for 
a house. Forbidding as tlie place then was, Simon, 
by dint of labor, there made his living, and loft to 
his cliildren, as its result, an estate of over $23,000, 
besides some $10,000 advanced to them during his 



KNOX COUN^TY. 381 

life time. They now own over 1,500 acres of land 
in that vicinity. Simon died of apoplexy in the 
street, Mt, Yernon, in his sixty-ninth year. Two 
of his brothers died of this same disease : Thomas, 
in Delaware county, X. Y., and Hngh, in Knox 
county, February 16tli, 1861. Moses, another 
brotlier, died in this county about thirty years ago. 
Their sister, Mrs. Young Love, is now living near 
Frcdericktov/n. 

The Lybarger family became quite numerous also. 
Adam died in April, tiiis year. He had risen from 
dinner, after eating very heart}", and walked into 
the yard to get a stick of wood for the fire, when 
he dropped dead. 

Wen del Mclker, with his brother Philip, moved 
into this country from Yirginia in 1808. All that 
survive of tlio Molker name in Harrison are four 
children — all mutes. 

Silas Ralston, Joseph and Martin Horn, "blath- 
ering John" Wolf and John Troutman were other 
notable settlers of long standing. 

Arthur Eawcett was, like the Dudgeons, from 
the Emerald Isle, and felt the eifects of poverty, in 
early youth. After a time he too makes his way 
to the "great West," and is found in this county, in 
1810, clearing land, upon which he has since re- 
sided. He is now in his 77th year, and his wife, 
Susannah, in her 67th year. They have had ten 
child/on — ciglit now live, viz : Samuel, who mar- 
ried Elizabeth Biggs, daughter of James Hayes. 
He Avas born in Harrison township, in 1816, and 
now lives in Butler. Philip, who married Mary 
Ellen Yancc, lives in Illinois ; Elizabeth, wife of 



382 HISTORY OF 

Geo. W. Scliooler, in Allen county ; Lucinda, wife 
of Hamilton Marshal, in Allen county ; and the 
following in Harrison township : Anna, wife of 
Isaac Hays ; Mary, Mrs. Ralph Eaucett ; John, 
who married Hannah Washburn ; Icetas, who mar- 
ried Rebecca Barnett ; and Catharine, wife of Jo- 
seph Horn. 

Andrew Oasto moved into Marion county, and 
died sixteen years ago. l^one of his blood now 
live in this county. Isaac Ooen, another of the 
earhest settlers, died, Avith none here to represent 
him. Joseph and Benjamin Horn died about the 
same time, eight years ago. The Biggs brothers — 
William, Noah and Jeremiah — came to this town- 
ship about 1811. The Schoolers settled in the 
neighborhood, where that name is now found, in 
1818. John Schooler died in 1853 ; he was from 
Beaver county. Pa. : had twelve children — nine 
now living. Isaac is at Carthage, Jasper county, 
Mo. George and Rachel, Mrs. Ashbourne, live in 
Auglaize county, James in Coshocton ; William, 
Joseph, Moses and Samuel are in Harrison. Both 
the justices of the peace in the township are sons 
of John Schooler. The people of Knox county 
twice honored him with a seat in the Legislature ; 
he died some eight years ago, much lamented by a 
large circle of relatives and friends. 

Marvin Tracy held many public positions, and 
was universally respected for his honesty and in- 
tegrity. Paul Welker and John Troutman have 
been hard-working farmers, of good reputation. 

Nathaniel Ross emigrated from Greene county, 
Pa., in 1811, and is yet living, in his sixty-ninth 



K:t^ox couKTT. 383 

year. His brother, Samuel, came out in 1817, and 
is now sixty-three years of age. These men have 
lieen useful citizens. The first brick house in this 
township was that of Nathaniel Eoss. 

The first road laid out was from Mt. Yernon to 
Coshocton. The j)i'opi'ietors of the town were all 
from the East, and they then believed light must 
be sought from that quarter. They did not know 
there was a Lake Eric, or if they did, they did not 
seem conscious that the great commerce and trade 
of this section must be drawn north and south ; 
hence, supposing that travel would be most from 
east to west, they laid out the town with this view 
— making its lU'incipal street, " High," the widest, 
and " Market," the present Main Street, much the 
narrowest. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE 

Within this territory have been the following Justices : 1819, 
Marvin Tracy, reelected in 1822 and 1825. 

1825. John Schooler. 1836. Asa Treeman. 

1829. Israel Dillon. 1839. '' " 

1831. Ben. Ellis. 1842. " 

1834. " " 1845. " " 

1835. Nathaniel Eoss. 1847. M. W. Schooler. 
1837. Hugh Miller. 1848. Wm. Marlow. 
1840. " " 1849. Marvin Tracy. 
1843. " " 1852. Jonathan McArtor. 
1850. Moses Dudgeon. 1855. " '< 
1853. " " 1856. M. W. Schooler. 
1855. Sam. F. Schooler 1858. Jonathan McArtor. 
1862. " " 1859. M. W. Schooler. 
1862. Jacob Hays. 



384 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XLV. 

UNION TOWNSHIP. 

At tliG session of tlic Commissioners, Marcli 9, 
1825, tliis old toivnsliip, notwitlistandiiig its name, 
was dismembered, and reduced to its present pro- 
portions. Among its earliest settlers are many 
names by tliis time familiar to the reader : tliere 
were tlic Critcli fields, the Leplejs, the Butlers, the 
Darlings, Wm. and Abraham; the Shrimplins, 
Abraliam, Jolm and Samuel ; the Diirbins, Ben. 
and Wm. ; the Elwells, the Spurgcons, tlie Sapps, 
the Rightmires, the Lognes, McMillen, Williams, 
Titus, Hibbetts, (ireer, Stotts, George Davidson, 
Charles Kyan, Wm. Shaw, John Arnold, and the 
W^elkciS. Shortly after came John Konkle, Gas- 
per Rich€rcek, Jacob Black, David Melick, John 
Earlywire, Valentine Dial, and George Fresh- 
water. The judges of election, Oct. 10, 1809, were 
James Bightmire, John Wood, and Thos. Elwell. 
These were at that time the principal families of 
the powerful Creek nation ; representatives of al- 
most all these arc to be met with in this county. 
In IHll, the officers of election were Wm. Sapp, 
Thomas Boaty, George Sapp ; Daniel Sapp and 
Jacob Draper. 

At the October election, 1810, there were but 23 
voters. In 1816 the number had increased to do. 



\ 

KNOX COUNTY. 385 

Having traced out tlie Oritchfields, Darlings, and 
other families who have contributed abundantly to- 
ward the peopling of this county, we cannot pass 
by the Sapps. Eour brothers — Daniel, George, 
Joseph and William — emigrated from Allegheny 
county, Md., in 1806, and the Sapps of the present 
day are descendants of them, and of their uncle 
George, who came out in 1810 ; of another Sapp, 
Adam, who came about 1820 ; and of yet another, 
a cousin, known in the neighborhood as " Kentucky 
George," to distinguish him from the other Georges, 
who had preceded him. Daniel had a dozen chil- 
dren, of whom Hon. Wm. R., S.W., Dr. Enoch and 
Dr. Silas have been widely known. Mrs. J. Wauls, 
of Brown, and Mrs. J. Stover, of Mt. Gilead are 
only daughters living. George married Catharine 
Arnold ; and of their nine children six are living in 
the county. Levi is upon the old homestead. He 
has had eleven children ; and of this number is 
Wm. C, merchant, Mt. Yernon. Josej)h's numer- 
ous family went to Illinois. William's dozen chil- 
dren are scattered — only two of them are in Knox 
now. Of Kentucky George's fourteen children 
we have not space to give an account. James, as- 
sociated with Wm. J. Morton, in the shoe store in 
Mt. Yernon, is his grandson. The original roots 
above named have produced over 200 shoots. 

The Rightmires, James and Harrison; the Shrim- 
plins, William, Samuel and Absalom ; Solomon 
Robinson and Gilman Hawn, with their families, 
well represent the hardy old stock. John Welker, 
Sr. lives upon the farm he cleared in 1809. His 

25 



386 HISTORY OF ■ 

brother-in-law, Jacob Baugliman, and bis old 
neighbor, Wm. Eobison, yet exchange greetings 
with him ; his brother-in-law, Wm. Lydick, died 
recently. Many trij)s these old settlers made, with 
horse and pack-saddle, to Zanesville for salt and 
other necessaries. In the war of 1812, John Wel- 
ker served as a high private, and has received a 
land-warrant for his services ; and that is the 
highest position he ever sought. He erected the 
first brick house in this part of the county. A 
man of sterling worth, he has commanded the re- 
spect of his neighbors, while he has reared up a 
family of fourteen children — only one of whom. 
Daniel, now resides in this county. The Eev. 
John, jr., in Illinois, and Judge Martin have ac- 
quired considerable reputation for ability. 

The towns of Danville, Millwood and Oavallo 
are in this township. The first is one of the oldest 
in the county. For the past twenty years it has 
not improved much. It is the oldest post-ofiice in 
the eastern part of Knox: its post-masters have 
been W. R. Sapp, Enoch Sapp. G. H. Davidson, 
and S. W. Sapp. Oavallo was a great place on 
paper in the days of the Canal fever. While Isaac 
Means, S. W. Farquhar, W. Y. Richardson, D. S. 
Fairchild, 0. Keller, H. Thomas and others lived 
there it had much trade. From 1813 to 1818 were 
its best days ; then, almost all the exports and im- 
ports of Knox were through this port, four large 
warehouses were erected, and goods were sold by 
wholesale ; now, the only man living within its 
limits is i*^elson Thatcher, and his neighbor on the 
old Butler farm is Solomon Gearner. The future 



KifOX COUNTY. 387 

will only know of tliis fast place from this page of 
our history. 

MiLWOOD received its name in consequence of 
the first mill in this locality having been built in 
the woods. Elisha Gibbs was the venturesome in- 
dividual who first carried it on ; John Hawn suc- 
ceeded him, and it has been known since as Wel- 
ker's mill. The first settlers around the early mill 
were principally of the Welker family. The village 
contains about 150 inhabitants, and was laid out 
by John Hawn. James Britton built the first 
house in the town plat — a little hewed log cabin, 
which has been weatherboarded to give it a more 
modern look. Two of his sons, Lewis and Reuben, 
are here ; James and the rest of his family reside 
in Iowa. Ool. Israel Dillon for many years was a 
leading business man ; he also moved to Iowa. 
Jacob Garret put in the first tanyard about 1829, 
and is yet carrying on the business. The Spragues 
and Carpers of other years are generally in the west. 
Sam. Welker, the pioneer in keeping " entertain- 
ment for man and beast," had the following poetical 
notice painted over his bar : 

"As many a man has trusted to his sorry, 
Pay to-day; and I will trust to-morryl" 

He kept tavern in the old style ; always had plenty 
to eat and drink of the substantial kind, his table 
literally groaning under its load ; his welcome to 
guests was a good deal of the order of the old 
Dutch landlord, who said, " Shust make yourselves 
perfectly at home : I wish to God you were all at 
home ;" and all felt that they were at liberty to 



388 HISTORY OF 

wait upon tliemselves. Kevertlieless, Saui. was a 
jovial fellow, and his house was a favorite with 
wayfaring men and those disposed to be joyful. 
The students of Kenyon occasionally navigated the 
waters of Owl Creek to Welker's port. Among 
other trips made there was one in 1833, in a canoe, 
by B. 0. Hurd and Herman Canfield, late Lt. Col. 
of the 72d Kegiment, killed in the battle of Pitts- 
burg; to the memory of our departed friend we 
will say, that a more honorable and noble youth 
never lived. 

There are three neat church edifices : the Disci- 
ple, built in 1858. The building committee con- 
sisted of Lewis Oritchfield, Albert Ellis, and Wm. 
Moody; Pastor— Kev.Wm. Moody. The Method- 
ist, built about 1856, through the exertions of Jacob 
Hammond, who has resided here over thirty years. 
The Presbyterian, built in 1853. The present El- 
ders are Jesse Wintringer, John P. Smith ; Eev. 
J. N^ewell, Pastor. This church was mainly estab- 
lished by Rev. John Burns, A.M., a graduate of 
Kenyon College, was its minister, from 1854 until 
his death, in April, 1859. The merchants are 
Christian and Peterman, E. McCloud and Lewis 
Britton. The postmasters, since 1831, are John 
Welker, jr., Michael Miller, L. Britton and J. 
Hammond. 

S. Israel, Esq., has put in a substantial dam, im- 
proved the old mill, and added carding-macliines to 
the stand. Prank Israel superintends the establish- 
ment. Wm. McCloud, a native of Scotland, now 
in his 66th year, who, in 1816, settled at Clinton, 
and worked as a stone-cutter until 1840, is here. 



\ 



KI^OX COUXTT. 389 

with his son. Another stone-mason, John Megin- 
nes, resides here ; tAvo blacksmiths, D. Saltsman 
and Josiah Horn ; two carpenters, Joseph Butts 
and Harris Johnson. 

The land of this township is generally rolling- 
and hilly, especially in the eastern part where the 
Mohican courses its way, and upon Owl Creek, 
which passes through the southern j)art, affording 
much valuable water power. In 1830, the popula- 
tion was 851, and 10,867 acres of land were on the 
tax list. In 1810, the inhabitants counted 1,098 ; 
in 1850, 1,192 ; and in 1860, 1,101. 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1809. George Sapp and Jacob Lepley were elected, and the 

former re-elected in 1812. 
1812. Nicholas Riley. 1817. Robert McMillen. 

1819. Daniel Sapp ; re-elected in 1822 and 1825. 
1819. Jacob Draper. 1826. Ben. Butler. 

1829. Charles Waddle. 1832. James Cain. 

1832. Daniel Sapp ; re-elected in 1835. 
1832. Joseph Sapp, " " 

1832. Jacob Black, " " 

1831. John Welker, Jr., " 1834 and 1837. 

183G. Josias Ewing. 1857. John Shaw. 

1837. Andrew Black. 1841. Jos. L. Workman. 

1840. John Welker, Jr.; re-elected in 1843 and 1846, 
1842. George H. Davidson, " 1845, 1848 and 1851. 

1849. Michael Miller, " 1852. 

1847. Elias Day. 1849. Wm. McLoud. 

1844. Sam. McKee. 1855. Jacob Ross. 

1854. Wm. Walker; re-elected in 1857 and 1860. 
1S55. Jacob Hanger. 1857. Washington Hyatt. 

1358. Andrew Beach. 1860. Freeman Snow. 

1860. J. W. Bradfield. 1862. Nathan Parsons. 



390 HISTORY OP 



CHAPTER XLYI. 

COLLEGE TOWNSHIP. 

College was organized December 21, 1838, and 
so named in conseqnence of its being the seat of 
Kenyon College, and all the land belonging to that 
institution. 

The first election was held at the pnblic house in 
G-ambier kept by M. W. Yore. The officers then 
elected were : Trustees, O; Lane, J. McMahon, M. 
W. Yore; Clerk, D. L. Tobes ; Constables, O. 
Welchymer, and 'N. Head ; Overseers of the Poor, 
J. Kendrick and W. Claytor ; Treasurer, M. T. C. 
Wing ; Pence Yiewers, T. C Odiorne, G. C. John- 
son, IST. Weaver ; Supervisors, W. M. Lane and A. K. 
Pobes. The voters in the early elections numbered 
from 20 to 30, and almost all of these were con- 
nected with the institution as professors, agents, 
keepers of boarding-houses, or other establishments 
dependant upon the College for a sustenance. 

At the spring election, 1839, J. McMahon, T. C 
Odiorne and M. W. Yore were elected Trustees ; 
A. Gr. Scott, Clerk ; and M. T. C. Wing, Treasurer. 
Mr. Odiorne, the only Trustee living, is now Presi- 
dent of an Insurance Company in Cincinnati, and 
is an efficient business man. M. T. C. Wing was 
re-elected again and again, until he declined serv- 
ing in 1842, when C W. Meyers was chosen 
Treasurer. Mr. Meyers was one of the earliest 



KNOX COUNTY. 



391 



settlers of this township ; a good practical printer 
and bookbinder, the first in these two trades on 
" the hill ;" he has contributed much to the pre- 
servation of works in the libraries of the Institution. 




For many years he " ran the machine" of the Ac- 
land Press, and now resides at Mt. Yernon. The 
printing office was the gift of liberal-minded Eng- 
lish Protestants to Bishop Chase in 1825, and 



392 HISTOEY OP 

received its name in lionor of Lady Acland, the 
fair donor who started the subscription. Upon 
this has been published various literary and re- 
ligious articles calculated to advance the cause of 
learning and religion. The students of the College 
have at several periods projected publications of a 
literary character ; the last, the " Kenyon Col- 
legian," a very creditable magazine, was continued 
for several years. The first store was called the 
Bishop's store, from having been commenced by 
Bishop Chase for the purpose of furnishing work 
hands witli necessary articles, and to supply the 
boys, so that no excuse could exist for going *' to 
town." This was carried on until in the fall of 
1833 an arrangement was made with Mr. White, 
of Kew York, by which that business was to be 
entirely under his control, and M. and G. B. 
White thereupon located at Gambier. The former 
remains there, and the latter at this writing is one 
of the most valued citizens of Mt. Yernon. The 
Whites are natives of Derby, Ct. The " Bishop's 
store" was managed for many years by Bobert 
Burnside, until a short time before its discon- 
tinuance ^. W. Putnam had it in charge. The 
Whites continued in partnership until 1838, when 
T>. Topping and N. W. Putnam opened a store, 
and Daniel S. I^orton and A. G. Scott established 
another. Topping & Co., with A. J. Douglass, 
kept for a few years, when it was closed, and Mr. 
T. moved to Illinois ; Mr. P. is yet living on the 
hill ; Mr. Scott has uninterruptedly resided there, 
and by his close attention to business, in which for 
many years has been alone, has acquired a compe- 



KNOX COUNTY. 



393 



tency. A. B. Norton for several years was engaged 
in tlie merchandizing and milling business at 
Gambler. At this time there are the two stores of 
A. G. Scott & Co., M. White & Co., and a drug 



O 

a 
> 




and book establishment of Mr. Erench. Other 
branches of business have been carried on here ; 
E. Pearce, Witt & Mulford, and G. J. W. Pearce 



394 HISTORY OF 

in the boot and slioe line ; Russel Clark, Mr. Clem- 
ents, A. K. Eobes and J. Waugli have carried on 
the tailoring. Mr. Sharp in early times was the 
brewer and baker, in a large stone house in the 
rear of the main College building, now obliterated 
by time's effacing finger. J. S. Sawer since 1837 
lias supplied the students and liberal disposed with 
ice cream and yarieties, and many of the boys fed 
under the Dotheby regime gratefully remember 
the good cookery and pies of Mrs. Sawer. The 
hotel and boarding-houses have been kept by 
Douglass, Yore, Johnson, Bell, Witt, Sims, Riley, 
and Wright, the latter now holding forth in fine 
style. The old College mill erected by Bp. Chase 
many years ago went into decay, and at that seat 
Daniel S. Norton put up one of the finest mills on 
the river. The " Kenyon Mills" flour acquired a 
good reputation. The post-office, ui)on Bp. Chase's 
application, established in 1826, has been the greater 
part of its existence managed by that excellent 
public officer, M. T. C. Wing. About 1846, parti- 
san violence, through the machinery of a county 
convention and central committee, brought about 
the appointment of Benoni Elliott, a student from 
the District of Columbia. In 1849, M. T. C. Wing 
was again appointed ; in 1853, James Young ; in 
1857, E. Gr. Biley ; and in 1861, Joseph Leonard. 
The principal church is Bosse Chapel, bearing the 
name of its founder, Lady Bosse, eminent for piety 
and good works. It is a very neat and chaste stone 
edifice, situated in Harcourt Parish, named for like 
cause, and in the rear of the church is the beauti- 
ful cemetery where rest the dead of Gambler. The 



KlirOX COUKTY. 



395 



parish officers elected Easter Monday, 1862, on the 
Union ticket, are A. G. Scott, H. L. Smith, 
Wardens ; B. L. Lang, A. Buttles, M. White, J. 
Leonard, J. S. Sawer, S. T. Bourne, K. W. Putnam, 



o 

CO 
CO 



> 




■rf'^jff' g- j-- 



Jil. S. Balcom. Delegates to the Convention, B. 
L. Lang, A. G. Scott, S. T. Bourne. The M. E. 
church is a neat frame, erected in 1854 by subscrip- 
tion of liberal citizens. The present minister is 



396 HISTORY OF 

Chilton Craven. The Trustees are T>. L. Fobes, J. 
T. L. Jacobs, E. Clij)pinger, E. Penhorwood, G. J. 
W. Pearce. The Cumberland Presbyterians have 
preaching regularly at their church, one-half mile 
north of the Public Well. The Kev. Larrimore is 
the present minister ; J. Bennet and T. Minard, 
trustees. The various College buildings and mat- 
ters of interest connected with them will appear 
under the appropriate head. Gambier is a beauti- 
ful little village, where those who desire to with- 
draw from the noise and bustle, the cares and 
vexations of the active world, can have a safe 
retreat. A more quiet and secluded spot cannot 
be found on this continent ; of the old residents on 
the hill, it may with truth be said : 

" Along the cool, sequestered hill of life, 
They kept the noiseless tenor of their way," 

scarcely realizing that the great busy world is all 
around them. To them we commend Lord Ken- 
yon's motto : " Magnanimiter crucem sustine." 

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

In 1839 John Powell and C. S. Johnson were 
elected, but the latter, being a student, upon pro- 
test of the Bishop against his acting, resigned, and 
A. G. Scott was chosen in May, 1840 ; re-elected 
in 1843 and in 1815 ; in 1816, resigned. 1815— 
G. C. Johnson; re-elected 1818. 1812— A. K. 
Fobes. 1811— E. M. Gwin ; re-elected 1817. 
1817— B. Elliott. 1850— N. W. Putnam; re- 
elected in 1853 and 1856. 1853— D. L. Fobes. 
1855— J. H. C. Bonte. 1856— :Nrorman Badger. 
1857 — John Cunningham ; re-elected 1860. 1859 
— George J. W. Pearce. 



KNOX COUifTT. 



397 



OHAPTEE XLYII. 



CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 








^-2^</ Jcv^ft ^ 



9 



f^ y// 



So often, during the progress of this work, have 
we had occasion to speak of events occurring with- 



398 HISTORY OF 

in this township, and of its prominent citizens, that 
we shall not occupy mnch space in addition to that 
necessary for its list of justices. It is one of the 
four townships created at the organization of the 
county, and, containing the county-seat, has been 
the central field of operations heretofore quite 
minutely described. The land is all good ; the cit- 
izens, generally, moral and industrious. It is well 
watered by the Ko-ko-sing, Dry Creek and Center 
Run, and possessed of eyery article necessary for 
convenience and health of the inhabitants. The 
greater part of its wealth and population is within 
Mt. Yernon, and at this place the business is gen- 
erally carried on. The township is divided into 
convenient school and road districts, and the whole 
is embraced in one election district, which polls 
usually 1,000 votes. This township, outside the 
city limits, contained in 1860, 884 whites. The 
aggregate value of land, as equalized by the State 
Board, was |543,473. 

Moui^TT Yerxoi^ steadily increased in population 
and wealth until the present war withdrew a large 
portion of the citizens from industrial pursuits and 
caused a general depression, from which the recov- 
ery will come with peace. In 1860, there were 61 
industrial establishments within the city limits, 
and the value of products was $701,050. The ag- 
gregate population of the five wards was 4,117, of 
whom 46 were colored persons. The aggregate 
value of lots and buildings, as equalized by the 
State Board, was |723,239. We have coUected 
much information, in regard to this i)lace, from its 
foundation to the present time, which we may here- 



KNOX COUNTY. 399 

after give to the public in a volume. Tlie limits 
prescribed to this work preclude us now. The 
citizens have certainly cause to congratulate them- 
selves upon the growth, prosperity and health of 
the place — upon their many and great advantages, 
moral, social, educational, religious. The unsur- 
passed water-power — the superiority of the locality 
for manufacturing — must cause its continued pros- 
perity. IN^orton's Mills, the Mount Vernon Iron 
Works, the Kokosing Foundry, the Woolen Fac- 
tory, and other manufacturing establishments, and 
the superiority of Mount Yernon mechanics, have 
contributed much to the advancement of the city 
and county. In the not far distant future, this 
city will be one of the foremost in the interior of 
Ohio. 

The Knox Mutual Insurance Co., incorporated 
in 1838, went into operation with C. P. Bucking- 
ham, H. B. Curtis, Gr. Browning, J. E. Davidson, 
0. Delano, E. Miller, I. Hadley, D. S. Norton and 
Abel Hart, as Directors. Gen. Buckingham was 
for man}^ years President, and Eichard Thomas, 
Secretary. Present officers : G. W. Hank, J". 
Sperry, J. Blake, J. M. Byers, C. Cooper, K. C. 
Hurd, C. P. Buckingham, W. McClelland, Direc- 
tors. G. W. Hauk, President, and Wm. Turner, 
Secretary and Treasurer. The first loss sustained 
was by the burning of Eev. M. T. C. Wing's dwell- 
ing ; amount paid, $900. 

The Knox Co. Bank, organized in 1847, with 
Henry B. Curtis, J. W. Kussell, C. Delano, J. B. 
Thomas and Sewall Gray, Directors. Capital 
stock, $100,000. Henry B. Curtis has been its 



400 



HISTORY OP 



President from that time. Its Casliiers — J. C. 
Ramsey, L. S. Lewis, J. F. Andrews and Hugli 
Ogilvie. 

The Bank of Mt. Yernon was organized April, 
1862. Directors : J. W. Rnssell, Prest. ; 0. Del- 
ano, M. Thompson, W. H. Smith, P. D. Sturges. 
Mr. Sturges is Cashier, D. W. Lambert, Teller. 

CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1806. 


Jolin Mills. 


1837. 


Timothy Colopy. 


1808. 


T.B.. Patterson. 


1839. 


B. F. Smith. 


1809. 


Matthew Merritt. 


1839. 


Robert F. Hickman. 


1811. 


Samuel Kratzer. 


1840. 


Wm. Welsh, 


1811. 


Silas Brown. 


1842. 


B. F. Smith. 


1811. 


Allen Scott. 


1842. 


R. F. Hickman. 


1815. 


James Smith. 


1842. 


E. ^Y. Cotton. 


1815. 


Benjamin Barney. 


1843. 


Wm. H. Cochran. 


1817. 


Benjamin Martin. 


1845. 


Benjamin McCracken, 


1817. 


Stephen Chapman. 


1845. 


E. W. Cotton. 


1818. 


John Roherts. 


1846. 


Nath. McGiffin. 


1820. 


Wm. Y. Farq[uhar. 


1846. 


W. H. Cochran. 


1820. 


Benj. Martin. 


1846. 


Truman Ward. 


1821. 


John Roberts. 


1848. 


E. W. Cotton. 


1822. 


John H. Mefford. 


1849. 


W. H. Cochran. 


1823. 


Wm. Y. Farquhar. 


1850. 


Joseph S. Davis. 


1824. 


John Roberts. 


1851. 


Emmet W. Cotton. 


1825. 


Joseph Brown. 


1852. 


W. H. Cochran. 


1825, 


James McGibeny. 


1853. 


Joseph S. Davis. 


1826. 


John Roberts. 


1854. 


Thompson Cooper. 


1830. 


Gideon Mott. 


1855. 


Samuel 0. Beach. 


1830. 


Wm. Bevans. 


1855. 


W.H.Cochran. 


1831. 


S. W. Hildreth, 


1858. 


Thompson Cooper. 


1833. 


Wm. Bevans. 


1858. 


Thos. V. Parke. 


1833. 


Thomas Irvine. 


1858. 


W. H. Cochran. 


1834. 


S. W. Hildreth. 


1860. 


C. C. Baugh. 


1836. 


Johnston Elliott. 


1860. 


Thompson Cooper. 


1836. 


Thomas Irvine. 


1861. 


Henry Warner. 



KXOX COUKTY. 401 



CHAPTEE XLYin. 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 

Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20, was duly instituted on 
the 21st day of June, 1843, by a dispensation from 
the R. W. Grand Lodge of Ohio, by D. D. G. 
Master J. T. Blain, acting under a disj)ensation 
from G. M. Thomas Sherlock. 

Charter Members.— U. Blake, L. Waite, L. D. Nash, W. Sullivan, 
and R. "Wright. The following officers were duly installed : R. 
Blake, N. G-.; Liberty Waite, V. G.; L. D. Nash, Secretary; W. 
Sullivan, Treasurer. Initiated at the first meeting: J.K.Miller, 
D. A. Robertson, and J. R. Wallace. 

Celebrations. — The first public celebration was June 22, 1844, 
D. T. Disney, of Cincinnati, Orator j the second, June 21, 1S4S, 
Rev. Mr. Doolittle, of Columbus, Orator; the third, June 19, 1851, 
Rev. A. T. Mather, Orator. 

Officers January 1, 1862. — H.D.Brown, N. G.; Edwin Rogers, 
V. G.; J. D. Haymes, Secretary; J, W. White, Financial Secretary; 
R. N. Kindrick, Treasurer. Trustees. — Joshua Hyde, W. M. Bunn, 
H. Phillips. 

Representatives to the Grand Lodge of Ohio. — W. M. Bunn, R. 
C. Kirk, A. C. Elliott, and J. W. White. 

ElUcott Lodge No. 267, was instituted at Ereder- 
icktown, April 11, 1855, by M. W. G. Master T. 
J. McLain, assisted by Past Grands W. M. Bunn, 
J. W. White, J. E. Andrews, E. 0. Kirk, J. W. Jjj- 
braiid, A. 0. Elliott, and G. W. Shurr. 

Charter Members. — A. Love, T. Mosure, G. Cole, B. F. Mosure, 
R. Cole, N. B. Rowley, G. W. Condon, J. Z. Griffith, A. Snow, Jr., 
26 



402 HISTORY OP 

J. B. Roberts, and J. W. Condon. The first officers installed were : 
G. W. Condon, N. C; J. Z. Griffith, V. G.; A. Love, Secretary; R. 
Colo, Treasurer. Initiated at the first meeting: D. S. Headley, 
C. G. Mount, and R. Ewers. The only puUic celebration was July 
4, 1857, P. G. John Lamb, Orator. 

Representatives. — P. G. J. Z. Griffith in 1S57, and P. G. Issacher 
Rowley in 1860. 

D. D. arafid Masters.— Y. G. J. Z. Griffith, 1857; P. G. G. W. 
Condon, 1860. 

Oficers, 1862.— J. C. Ebersole, N". G.; D. T. Montague, V. G.; 

E. J. Breese, Secretary; N. F. Strong, Financial Secretary; W. D. 
Morrison, Treasurer. Trustees — I. Rowley, J. W. Porch, A. 
Stephens. 

Quindaro Lodge No. 316, was duly instituted 
June 9, 1857, by a dispensation from the E. W. G. 
Lodge of Oliio, by D. G. Master P. G. A. E. 
Glenn, acting under a dispensation from G. M. W. 
0. Chidsey. 

Charter Mejnhers. — G. B. Arnold, J. M. Byers, A. C. Elliott, J. 

F. Andrews, J. Lamb, T. P. Frederick, and J. Jennings. Officers 
installed: J. M. Byers, N. G. ; T. P. Frederick, V. G. ; G. B. Ar- 
nold, Secretary ; A. C. Elliott, Financial Secretary ; J. F. Andrews, 
Treasurer. Admitted on card : M. McFarland, A. J. Beach, W. C. 
Cooper, J. Jennings. Initiated : I. Underwood and L. Monk. 
The dedication of the new hall. No. 109 Main street, was June 9, 
1858. A supper was given to the members of the Order. P. G. 
Rev. Glancy delivered an address. 

Representatives.— F. G. J. F. Andrews, P. G. J. M. Byers. 

OJicers, 1862.— J. M. Byers, N. G.; E. B. Shinabery, V. G.; H. 
Graff, Secretary; W. McGaughey, Financial Secretary; J. F. 
Andrews, Treasurer. Trustees. — P. G.'s J. F. Andrews, G. B. 
Arnold, J. R. Wallace. 

KoJcosiuff Mncmyipment No. 38, was instituted at 
Mt. Yernon, March 29, 1819, by Grand Chief Patri- 
arch Williams, assisted by J. H. Wheeler as Grand 



KNOX COUNTY. 403 

High Priest, H. B. Horton as Grand S. W., J, S. 
Clark as Grand Scribe. 

Charter Members.— J. M. Campbell, S. "W. Gribbon, L. G. Pren- 
tiss, R. C. Kirk, H. Phillips, A. Ehle, A. P. Mather, U. Stephens. 
Officers.— J. M. Campbell, C. P.j A. P. Mather, H. P.; R, C. Kirk, 
S. W.; A. Ehle, Scribe; L. G. Prentiss, Treasurer. Initiated at 
the first meeting : W. M. Bunn, J. A. Shannon, T. T. Tress, J. 
Cooper, J. Eichelberger, K. B. Wright. 

Officers January 1, 1862.— J. W. Porch, C. P.; A. Harnwell, H. 
P.; E. Shinabery, S. W.; R. N. Kindrick, J. W.; J. W. White, 
Scribe ; J. Hyde, Treasurer. Trustees. — J. Hyde, W. M. Bunn, 
Henry Phillips. 

Representatives to the Grand Encampjnent of Ohio. — Since the 
adoption of the new constitution, in ] 855, the following Patriarchs, 
viz : W. M. Bunn, J. W. White, J. E. Andrews. 



404 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTEE XLIX. 

VARIOUS PUBLIC OFFICERS. 
SENATORS IN STATE LEGISLATURE. 

Peom the Senatorial District of wliicli tliis land 
formed a part before tlie organization of the county, 
and after its first settlement, we find in the fourth 
General Assembly, at Ohillicothe, Jacob Burton; 
in the fifth session, Elnathan Scofield. In the sixth 
session, Jacob Burton appeared and was qualified 
as Senator from Eairfield, Licking and Knox. In 
1809, the Senators from these counties were Elna- 
than Scofield and Jacob Burton. In 1810, Wm. 
Trimble and Eobert E. Slaughter were the Sena- 
tors, and they continued as such while the sessions 
were at Zanesville. In 1812, at Ohillicothe, the 
Senator was Wm. Gavit, and we were in the same 
district with Bichland and Licking for many years. 
William Gass, Mordecai Bartley, John Spencer, 
John Shaw and Daniel S. Norton were Senators 
until the course of political alliance changed, and 
new connections were formed. The north and 
south union was seyered, and we were associated 
with the counties to the east until the adoption of 
the new Constitution in 1851 ; sometimes, in dis- 
tricting, Knox was put with Holmes, at other times 
with Coshocton, and then again with both counties. 
Since that period our associations have been with 



KKOX COUNTY. 



405 



the west, embracing Morrow, until, in 1861, the 
district was made to inchide Wayne, Ashland and 
Richland. Beside the Senators aforenamed, wo 
have had the following, elected at the periods 
named, the term of the office being two years, yiz. : 
In 1829, Thomas Rigdon; in 1831, Wm. Gass; in 
1832, Byi'am Leonard; in 1831, Wm. Rayenscroft; 
in 1836, Peres Spragne ; in 1838, James Matthews ; 
in 1810, Byram Leonard ; in 1812, John Johnson ; 
in 1841, Jacob Koch ; in 1846, Nicholas Spindler ; 
in 1848, Asa G. Dimock; in 1850, L. Yan Buskirk. 
Under the new Constitution we have had — in 1851, 
L. Yan Buskirk; in 1853, John T. Oreigh; in 1855, 
Robert 0. Kirk ; in 1857, Davis Miles ; in 1859, 
Wm. Bonar; and in 1861, Davis Miles. 



REPRESENTATIVES. 



1807. Philemon Beeclier. 
" W. W. Irwin. 

1808. E. B. Merwin. • 
" Patrick Owings. 

1809. Alexander Holden. 
ISIO. Jeremiah Munson. 

1811. William Gass. 

1812. Samuel Kratzer. 

1813. William Gass. 

1814. Samuel Kratzer. 

1815. Alexander Enos. 

1816. Jonathan Miller. 

1817. Waitstil Hastings. 

1818. AV.W. Farquhar. 

1819. R. D. Simons. 
1820. 

]821. 

1822. H. Curtis. 

1823. E. D. Simons. 

1824. Thomas Eigdon. 

1825. John Shaw. 

1826. Wm. Eohison. 

1827. Thomas Eigdon. 

1828. Charles Colerick. 



1829. Byram Leonard. 

1830. John Greer. 

1831. Charles Colerick. 

1832. John Schooler. 

1833. " " 

1834. Peres Sprague. 

1835. " 

1836. Martin Tracy. 

" S. W. Hildreth. 

1837. Marvin Tracy. 

1838. James Elliott. 

1839. Byram Leonard. 

1840. D. L. McGugin. 

1841. C. J. McNulty. 

1842. C. J.McNulty. 

1843. George Ankeny. 

1844. James McFarlaud. 
" George Ankeny. 

1845. W. H. Smith. 

1846. E. W. Cotton. 

" James McFarland. 

1847. E. W. Cotton. 

1848. L. Van Buskirk. 
" Jacob Voorhies. 



406 HISTOEY OF 

1849. Ezekiel Boggs. 1855. B. F. Smith. 

1850. Eli Glasgo. 1857. Wm. McCreary. 
" S. F. Gilcrest. " W. B, Cox. 

1851. James Witherow. 1859. " " 
1853. Jacob Merrin. 1861. Wait Whitney. 
1855. George W. True. 

COMMON TLEAS JUDGES 

Who haye i)resided in the districts in which this 
county has been situated, are William Wilson, of 
Kewark ; Alexander Harper, of Zanesville ; Ezra 
Dean, of Wooster ; Jacob Parker, of Mansfield ; 
Levi Cox, of Wooster ; James Stewart, of Mans- 
field ; Rollin 0. Hurd, of Mt. Yernon ; Sherman 
Finch and Thomas 0. Jones, of Delaware. Of this 
number. Judges Hurd, Einch and Jones have been 
elected by the people ; the others were chosen by 
the Legislature. 

CLERKS OF COMMON PLEAS. 

Charles Lofland, James Smith, Isaac Hadley, 
S. W. Earquhar, and A. C. Elliott have served as 
Clerks. Prior to 1851, they were apj)ointed by 
the Judges ; and since that time, the two last 
named have been elected by the people. Among 
the Deputies who have performed longest service, 
were Henry B. Curtis, E. C. Vore, Horatio S. 
Miller, E. P. Griffith, A. C. Elliott. 

The Clerics of the jSupreme Court have been Jas. 
Smith, Alexander EUiott and A. C. Elliott. 

ASSOCIATE JUDGES. 

1808. John Mills, Wm. W. Farqnhar, Wra. Gass. 
1810. James Colville, April 30th, in place of Gass, who goes 
into Richland county. 

1813. Jacob Young in place of Farquhar, resigned, Dec. 12th. 

1814. Samuel Kratzer, May 9th, in place of Mills. 



KNOX COUNTY. 407 

1815. John Trimble and Abraham Darling. 

1818. John H. MefFord in place of Darling. 

1819. Stejihen Chapman. 

1820. Joseph Brown, James McGibeny. 
1827. Anthony Banning. 

1834. Eli Miller. 1841. William Bevans. 

" Abner Ayres. " Isaac N. Richardson. 

" James Elliott. 1846. Wm. McCreary. 

1838. William Bevans. 1848. Jacob B. Brown. 

1839. Richard C. Davis. « B. H. Taylor. 

By the adoption of the new Constitution, the 
office Avas abolished. 

COUNTY AUDITORS. 

1820. W. Y. Earquhar, the first officer of this 
description, was appointed at this date, to value 
the lands for taxation ; and when the law creating 
a distinct bureau passed, having been Clerk of the 
Board of Commissioners and conversant with its 
business, he was reappointed annually until 1824, 
from which time the people have elected for a term 
of two vears. 

1824. Alexander Elliott. 1844. K. Winne. 

1826. 1846. M. M. Beam. 

1828. Marvin Tracy. 1848. 

1830. " " 1850. B. F. Smith. 

1832. " " 1852. " 

1834. S. B. Kenton. 1854. John Lamb. 

1836. " " 1856. " " 

1838. " " 1858. S. W. Farquhar. 

1840. " " 1860. 

1842. K. Winne. 1862. John D. Thompson. 

PROBATE JUDGES. 

The ^N'ew Constitution created this office, and at 
the first election, in October, 1851, for Probate 
Judge, to serve three years, commencing Eebruary, 
1852, Sam'i F. Gilcrest was elected, entered upon 
the duties of his office Eebruary, 1852, and at the 



408 HISTORY OF 

expiration of liis term was a candidate for re-elec- 
tion, and beaten, 185i, by Josepli S. Dayis. 

1857. Josepli S. Davis was re-elected. 
1860. Thomas V. Parke. 

MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. 

The Convention tbat framed tbe present Con- 
stitution of Oliio, vras held in 1851. Knox and 
Holmes formed a district, and the Delegates elected 
were Matthew H. Mitchell and John Sellers, Dem- 
ocrats, over Rollin C. Hurd and John H. Wheeler, 
Whigs. 

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION. 

Daniel S. Norton, James McFarland, 

Byram Leonard, S. T. Cunard. 

Henry B. Curtis, 

TREASURERS. 

Until 1825 this office was filled by appointment 
of Commissioners each year, and from that time 
the people elected for a term of two years. The 
period at which each Treasurer was chosen, we 
append : 

1808. Henry Haines. 1841. James Blake. 

1815. George Downs. 1847, Jacob W. Ly brand. 

1816. James McGibeny. 1851. J. H. McFarland. 

1817. Gilman Bryant. 1855. Jolin Beaty. 
1819. James McGibeny. 1859. Alex. Greer. 
1825. W. Y. Farcjubar. 1861. H. H. Greer. 
1838. S. W. Farc^ubar. 

COUNTY COLLECTORS. 

The Commissioners appointed annually the col- 
lector of personal tax, and that upon lands of 
residents. In 1820, the duties of this officer were 
somewhat changed, and, in 1817, the office was 



KlfOX COUNTY. 409 

abolished by law, and its business transferred to 
the County Treasurer. 

180S. Silas Brown ; amount 1S21. Benj. Jackson, Jr. 

of bond $658.87. 1822. E. I). Simons. 

1809. James Smith. 1823. Joseph Brown. 

1812. John Greer. 1824. John Shaw. 

1817. John Shaw. 1825. SiLas Brown. 

1819. Eli Miller. 1827. Jacob M. Banning. 

1820. WiUiam Bevans. 

In 1822, a system of cutting under was com- 
menced by competitors for this oilice, as we find 
that the State tax was collected this year for 2| 
per cent., and County tax gratis ; the next year 
Brown underbid J per cent. ; and Shaw, in 1824, 
capped the climax by proi)osing to collect both 
State and County tax gratis ! 

ASSESSORS. 

Assessors have been in our history of two kinds 
— ToAvnship and County. The county were ap- 
pointed by the Commissioners until, in 1827, the 
people by law were required to elect such officer ; 
and after 1811 the office for the county was abol- 
ished, and the old system of Township Assessors 
was re-established. 

Prior to 1827, the Commissioners appointed, as 
Assessors, E. D. Simons for 1821 and '5, Marvin 
Tracy in 1826, and Hill Eunyan in 1827, who 
served from March until the October election, when 
he was elected for two years. In 1829, John Greer 
was elected, and, having resigned in October, 1830, 
Daniel McEarland was elected and continued until, 
in 1831, Henry B. Carter was chosen, and served 
two terms. In 1838, XJzal Ball was elected ; in 
1810, Wait Whitney 



410 



HISTORY OF 



COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 



1808. 
1808. 



1809. 
1810. 
1811. 
1812. 
1813. 



1814. 

1815. 

1816. 

1817. 
<i 

1818. 

1819. 

1820. 

1821. 

1822, 

1823, 

1824, 

1825, 

182G, 

1827. 
<( 

1828, 
1829, 



1830 
1831, 
1832 



Joseph Walker, John Harrod, John LeAvis. 

Henry Markley, Matthew Merrit, and Wra. Douglass were 
elected Oct. 11th; and, by lot, it was declared that Mark- 
ley continue three years, Merrit two, and Douglass one. 



William Douglass 
Robert McMillen. 

John Plarrod. 

Daniel Cooper. 

William Mitchell, ap- 
pointed by Court May 
9th, 1814, vice Harrod, 
deceased. 

William Mitchell. 

Jonathan Miller. 

Moses Merrit. 

William Mitchell. 

John Warden z^zVe Miller. 

Allen Scott. 

Oilman Bryant. 

Abner Ayres. 

John Wheeler. 

John Kerr. 

Abner Ayres. 

John Stilley. 

Daniel Sapp. 

By ram Leonard. 

Levi Harrod. 

Oilman Bryant appo'ted. 

Peres Sprague, Jabez 
Beers. 

Francis Wilkins; Wil- 
liam McCreary for 3 
years, Francis Wilkins 
for 1 year. 
. David Shaw X}ice Wil- 
kins, deceased. 

John Jeffers for 3 years, 
David Shaw 2 years. 
, William McCreary. 



1833. David Shaw. 

1834. Silas Brown. 

1835. William McCreary. 

1836. David Sbaw. 

1837. Thomas Wade. 

1838. Christopher Wolf. 

1839. Thomas Axtell. 

1840. Thomas Wade. 

1841. Christopher Wolf. 

1842. Thomas Axtell, Henry 

Prather. 
Henry Prather. 
James Witherow. 
Robert Oraham. 
William Babcock. 
James Witherow. 
Robert Oraham. 
Wm. Babcock. 
Wait Whitney. 



1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 



Oeorge McWilliams. 
Abraham Darling, M. H. 

Mitchell vice Whitney, 

resigned. 
George W. 



1853. George W. Jackson. 

1854. Sewal Gray. 

1855. John McElroy. 

1856. Jacob Bell, full term. 
" W. McClelland, vice 

Gray, resigned. 

1857. W. McClelland. 

1858. John McElroy. 

1859. Jacob Bell. 

1860. Wm. McClelland. 

1861. J. W. Bradfield. 

1862. John S. McCamment. 



SHERIFFS. 

1808. Silas Brown, appointed by Thos. Kirker, Acting Governor 
of the State, June 6, till October election, and reappointed 
by Governor Samuel Huntington, October 11, 1808. 

1811. Ichabod Nye. 1815. John Shaw. 

1813. John Hawn. 1817. " 



KNOX COUNTY. 



411 



1819. Alexander Elliott. 

1820. William Bevans. 
1822. " " 
1824. Cliarles Colerick. 
1826. 

1828. John Shaw. 

1830. Hugh Neal. 

1832. 

1834. Isaac Hadley. 

1836. 

1838. Wm. Beam. 

1840. 



1842. Absalom Thrift. 

1844. 

1846. David C. Montgomery. 

1848. 

1850. Thomas Wade. 

1852. 

1854. Lewis Strong. 

1856. Israel Underwood. 

1858. " 

1860. James S. Shaw. 

1862. Allen Beach. 



The following persons have acted as Deputy 
Sheriffs at different periods; John Cramer, Isaac 
Hadley, Resin Yates, Ben. Jackson, Henry Prather, 
D. 0. Zimmerman, Johnson Elliott, Jesse B. Ro- 
gers, W. Beam, S. B. Kenton, E. W. Cotton, W. 
D. Headley, Stiles W. Thrift, D. C. Montgomery, 
John Beaty, T. P. Morton, James Myers, J. Under- 
wood, T. Y. Parke, Josiah Cochran, George W. 
Steele. 

CORONERS. 



1808. 



1809. 
1811. 
1813. 
1815. 
1817. 
1818. 
1819. 
1820. 
1822. 
1824, 
1828. 
1830. 



Jonathan Craig, elected 

April 4. 
John Merritt, appointed 

Oct. 11. 
John Butler, appointed. 
Dr. Timothy Burr. 



Dr. Robert D. Moore. 
Dr. Waitstil Hastings. 
Dr. E. G. Lee. 
James McGibeny. 
Hill Runyan. 



George Low. 



1832. 
1834. 
1836. 
1838. 
1840. 
1842. 
1844. 
1846. 
1848. 
1850. 
1852. 
1854. 
1856. 
1858. 
1860. 
1862. 



W. E. Davidson. 

Andrew Vance. 
<< (( 

(( (( 

Richard Hunt. 

Asa Freeman. 
(I << 

Michael Miller. 

<( <( 

Alexander Love. 

William Bonar. 

Albert Ellis. 
(( << 

John W. Leonard. 
M. M. Shaw. 



PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. 

The first officer answering to this description was 
Samuel Kratzer, Esq., who sort o' officiated in be- 



412 HISTORY OF 

half of the State when no better qualified person 
was present. He was not an attorney, but a^ipears 
to have been allowed fees for his services. Edward 
Herrick was the main reliance in this branch in 
the early courts, until 1812, when Samuel Mott was 
appointed on the 14th of March. In January, 1814, 
Charles K. Sherman was appointed, and at different 
terms S. W. Culberson, Wyllis Silliman, Hosmer 
Curtis, John W. Warden, and other attorneys, were 
appointed by the court, as business required, until 
in 1833 the Legislature provided for the Prosecu- 
ting Attorney's election biennially by the voters of 
the county, who have made the following selections : 

1833. Benjamin S. Brown. 1848. Lafayette Emmett. 
1835. Columbus Delano. 1850. Clark Irvine. 
1837. " " 1852. William Windom. 

1839. M. H. Mitchell. 1854. W. F. Sapp. 

1840. M. A. Sayre. 1856. 

1842. J. K. Miller. 1858. W. 0. Cooper. 

1844. " " 1860. 

1846. Lafayette Emmett. 1862. Frank H. Hurd. 

SURVEYORS. 

The Court of Common Pleas, until 1831, ap- 
pointed the Surveyor of the county, and the office 
was filled by the following persons : 

1808. Samnel H. Smith appointed. 

18] 0. John Dunlap appointed June, in place of Smith, resigned. 
1815. Wm. Y. Farquhar appointed April 15, and resigned 1827. 
1827. Edson Harkness appointed. 

The act of the Legislature of March 3d, 1831, 
having provided for the election of this officer for 
a term of three years, the first elected by the 
peoi)le was, in 

1831. Edson Harkness. 1840. T. G. Plummer. 

1834. Thomas G. Plummer. 1843. T. C. Hickman. 
1837. T. C. Hickman. 1846. David Gorsuch, 



KNOX COUifTY, 413 

1849. David Gorsucli. 1858. David 0. Lewis. 

1852. T. 0. Hickman. 1861. " " 

1855. David 0. Lewis. 

COUNTY RECORDER. 

The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas ap- 
pointed this officer until 1829, at the October elec- 
tion, the people chose a Kecorder. Under the 
former system, the term of service was seven years ; 
under the present, three years. 

1S08. Gilman Bryant, May 2d, until 1815. 
1815. Alexander Elliott, May 2d, until 1822. 
1822. Henry B. Curtis. 

The Legislature of 1828-9 having provided for 
appointment of Recorders by County Commission- 
ers, where office becomes vacant prior to October, 
the Commissioners appointed — 

1829. Jolin A. Colerick, May 29th, in place of H. B. Curtis, 
whose term had expired. 

1829. Hill Runyan was elected in Oct., and served until 1838. 
1838. David Montgomery " " " 1847. 

1847. Elijah Harrod " " « 1857. 

1856. Calton 0. Baugh " " " 1859. 

1859. Elijah Harrod " " and re-elected 1862. 

INFIRMARY DIRECTORS. 

1842. John Hobbs, J. F. 1851. Timothy Colopy. 

McLain. 1852. John McCamment. 

" Wm. Borden. 1853. G. W. Jackson. 

1843. W. Borden. 1854. J. B. McGrew.. 

1844. Abraham Darling. 1855. Thomas Rogers. 

1845. C. A. Drake. 1856. Thomas Larrimore. 

1846. Abraham Darling. 1857. E. J. Whitney. 
" Absalom Buckingham. 1858. Thomas Rogers. 

1847. G. W. Jackson. 1859. Thomas Larrimore. 

1848. Abraham Darling. 1860. E. J. Whitney. 

1849. Christian Musser. 1861. Asahel Allen. 

1850. G. W. Jackson. 1862. James Scott. 



414 .HISTOBY OE 



CHAPTBE L. 




It will be expected that a history of this county 
will devote more than a passing notice to the mem- 
ory of that citizen of whom, in July, 1849, the 
editor of the Times said, " We are of opinion that 
none of the earliest pioneers of our town have ever 
done so much to promote its growth and prosperity 
as Mr. Norton. If Mt. Yernon is specially in- 
debted to the enterprise and liberality of any one 
man, that man is Daniel S. ^N^orton." 

The Democratic Banner of JSTov. 1, 1859, says : 
" One of our most eminent and highly valued citi- 
zens died suddenly, of congestion of the lungs, on 
Tuesday morning, October 25th, aged 72 years." 
The following extract from that notice of his death 
evidences the regard and opinion entertained for 
his services, and its republication will not be inap- 
propriate : 

"He first visited Mt. Vernon in the spring of 1816, and, in the summer 
of that year, introduced the first complete Carding Machine in this part of 
the State, and set it up at the mill of William Douglas, now occupied by 
J. S. Banning. In the summer of 1817, he moved to Mt. Vernon, and in 
the fall of that year, having secured the admirable mill seat and water 
power which his sagacious eye had discovered the summer previous, he 
built the mills, which, improved and enlarged from time to time, as the 
wants of the couuty required, he continued to occupy and operate until 
his death. 



KI^OX COUKTY. 415 

"He engaged also in the mercantile business, and carried it on pros- 
perously for many years. He erected a woolen and a cotton factory, and 
an oil mill, and engaged extensively in agriculture and the raising of 
cattle and horses, and contributed much to the improvement of the stock 
of both in the county. 

"He was elected to the Senate from Knox and Richland counties, and 
while in that body took lively interest and an active part in inaugurating 
and establishing the wise canal policy of the State. He was a membor of 
the committee appointed to welcome De Witt Clinton. At the canal cele- 
bration in July, 1825, he first met Bishop Chase, who served as chaplain 
on that occasion, and during the interview he suggested to the Bishop the 
eligibility of the grounds which were afterwards chosen for the location 
of Kenyon College. He contributed liberally to the establishment of that 
institution, and was always its steadfast friend. 

He was always among the foremost in all public enterprises calculated 
to increase the growth of the town, or improve and develope the resour- 
ces of the country. 

As a man of business, he had no superior. Prompt, energetic and de- 
liberate, he apeared to see the end from the beginning, and his plans , 
wisely laid, were worked out with a precision which commanded the ad- 
miration of all. 

A man of social qualities, he was the pride of the society in which he 
lived. Remarkable for his address and conversational power, his exten- 
sive reading, his acute observation and his wonderful memory, he attracted 
notice wherever he appeared, at home or abroad, and entered no circle 
which was not entertained and instructed by his presence. 

H3 had a keen perception of merit in the young, and not a few owe the 
beginning of their prosperous career in business, to his kind and wise 
patronage. He was ever ready to aid the industrious, and had a lively 
sympathy for the unfortunate. It was a touching sight to see the poor 
gather around his bier, and not the least of a good man's reward, to hear 
them call him blessed." 

A brief statement of some of the events of his 
life, evincing his indomitable spirit, extraordinary 
business qualifications, great liberality and genuine 
patriotism, may follow the tribute from another 
pen. The first American settlers in the Attakapas 
of Orleans were the Gortons, who for several years 
endured contentedly the perils and privations in 
that, then foreign, clime, until sickness and death 
reduced their number and deprived them of their 



416 HISTOKT OF 

head ; anil the management of the affairs of Mrs. 
Ann Norton, and nine chiklren, devolved entirely 
upon the young Daniel S., who, possessed of a pe- 
culiar business mind and an adventurous spirit, 
carried on various trading operations in the terri- 
tory and the Mexican provinces. His papers, care- 
fully preserved, show many ventures that few 
would have the nerve to undertake ; and yet suc- 
cess invariably crowned his efforts. Some of his 
practical operations are worthy of notice. He in- 
troduced the first sugar-cane in the Attakapas, and 
established that it could be cultivated successfully. 
His active and well informed mind, and inventive 
genius, was always striving to make improve- 
ments, and he first directed attention to the navi- 
gation of the Bayous and rivers, and was interested 
in the first boat that engaged in their trade. He 
traveled on the first two boats that made trips on 
the Mississippi, and subsequently on the first boat 
built by a company at Brownsville, Pa., and run 
b}^ Oax)t. Gregg on the lower Mississippi and Red 
River. His suggestions in construction and navi- 
gation, his knowledge of the rivers and the country, 
contributed much to those enterprises. 

It was with the view of carryini** on a ti'ade with 
the southern country tliat he located at Connels- 
ville, and engaged in erecting machinery for manu- 
facturing ; and hence his deep solicitude for suc- 
cessful navigation of the rivers, to promote which 
he carried on correspondence, published articles, 
made investments, and labored industriouslv. The 
first Ootton Factory on the Youghiogheny he erect- 
ed, and operated successfully, bringing the raw 



KNOX COUNTY. 417 

cx)ttoii from Ms old home in Louisiana. His lands 
in that countiy were of great yalue, and his busi- 
ness there for about a half century was faithfully 
attended to by Gov. Johnson, as his agent, who has 
informed us of his unsurpassed reputation as a 
business man. He never relinquished the idea, 
which he had entertained though life, of returning 
there to live, and which was only broken in upon 
by his coming to this county to marry, and being- 
still further irresistibly attracted by the fine water 
power, fertile lands and beautiful prospects of Owl 
Creek. 

The building of machinery and improving of 
mills and manufacturing establishments may be 
said to have been the ruling passion of his life. 
We find a petition presented to the General Assem- 
bly of Ohio, when it met in Ohillicothe, by Daniel 
8. Norton, John H. Piatt and Herman Long, of 
Cincinnati, Asa I^orton, of Kentucky, and Abra- 
ham Baldwin, of Pennsylvania, who had associ- 
ated in manufacturing business, asking for encour- 
agement of woolen manufactories, etc. The first 
complete carding machines, west of the Allegheny 
mountains, were put up by Daniel S. Norton, and 
our venerable townsman, Wm. Reeves, says that 
he first saw him, in 1805, at Tom Smith's mill, on 
Whitewater, setting up machines. 

I have often heard father laugh about how his 
father caused him to trade a valuable lot in Cincin- 
nati for a little sorrel pony, saddle and bridle, and 
leave there for his home in the Attakapas. Another 
trade that amused him very much was that of a set 
of machines, to a man named Lowrie, for a scholar- 

27 



418 HISTORY OF 

sliii? in Transylvania University, wliich liis father, 
wlio liad given Mm wliat lie deemed sufficient 
education at Middlebury College, did not relish ; 
nevertheless, he j)rocured his books, and took out 
the value in Latin, Greek, and mathematics, &c. 
There he formed the acquaintance of many young 
men who have since become eminent in the coun- 
try, and that friendship and regard for Henry Clay 
which caused him to cling to liis fortunes tlirough 
good anfl through evil report. 

His career in this county — his efforts to promote 
education, home manufactm*es and internal im- 
provements; his contributions to objects calculated 
to benefit the public ; his assistance to old settlers 
in purchasing their farms and stock, making im- 
provements, and providing for their families ; his 
kindness to friends, and generosity to relatives — 
will long be remembered. His love of country 
was unbounded, and the blood of the Eevolution 
never coursed through veins more determined to 
perpetuate "Libert}^ and Union." His liberaKty 
and patriotism in the War of 1812, the Texan Eev- 
olution and the Mexican War is on record; and 
were he living to-day, he would be faithful to the 
Union and true to the principles of the Consti- 
tution. 



Nq^j;. — The cultivation of the cotton plant attracted his attention, and 
among Ins papei's of 1810 are calculations as to its culture and manufac- 
ture. He planted the first black seed in the Southv-cst (it had been 
"brought from the Bahamas), and he -n-as the first experimenter -with the 
hirsutum and the herbaceous in that locality. 



KNOX cou:nty, 419 



CHAPTEE L. 

KENYON COLLEGE AND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, 

This yaliied institution of learning and religion 
was founded in this connty by tlie Et. Key. Philan- 
der Chase, first Bishoj) of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church of Ohio, upon Section one, Township siiir, 
and Eange twelve, U. S. Military Lands. The pre- 
liminary steps to its establishment were taken at 
Worthington, by commencing a school, in 1825, 
under an act of incorporation for a "Theological 
Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
the Diocese of Ohio." In pursuance of this j)nr- 
pose, Bp. 0. visited England, and obtained very 
liberal donations for the cause ; and the surpassing 
beauty of the present site secured its selection. In 
his annual address, 1826, he thus speaks: "July 
22d. This day, for the first time, in comi)any with 
a number of gentlemen, I explored the lands now 
rendered so interesting to us on account of their 
many advantages for the location of the seminar}^ 
and college." Two of the gentlemen alluded to 
were Henry B. Curtis, Esq., and Daniel S. I^ortoh, 
whose statements in regard to that "interesting" 
occasion we have ; and that of the former, as pub- 
lished in the Kenyon CoUcgian, we. had designed 
giving entire, but our limits will not permit. In 
fact, we can only allude to the establishment of 



4^0 HISTORY OF 

the college, with the promise of giving at an early 
day a complete history of the institution, its founder 
and benefactors, for which we liave now a large 
amount of interesting material in manuscript. The 
college lands, 4,000 acres, on both sides of the Ko- 
kosing, five miles below Mt. Yernon, were pur- 
chased of Wm. Hogg, Esq., of Brownsville, Pa., 
who made a generous donation in consideration of 
the object ; and by a unanimous vote of the Con- 
vention of 1826 the site of Ivenyou College was 
settled forever. 

Yiews of Kenyon College, Ascension Hall, Bex- 
ley Hall, Milnor Hall and Bosse Chapel, the prin- 
cipal buildings of the Institution, appear in this 
work. They tell of the pious and devout labors of 
Bishop Chase, whose litliograph is also given, and 
of his very worthy successor. Bishop Mcllvaine, 
They also speak, more than tongiTc can tell, the 
liberality and nobleness of the Christian people of 
Great Britain and of the United States, who have 
been graciously moved to give of their abundance 
to this noble object. To Henry Clay, whose influ- 
ential letters gave Bishop Chase access to the 
British heart, we are also deeply indebted. 

Kenvon College to-dav stands erect, bavins: 
j)assed through many periods of tribulation and 
gloom. With an able corps of instructors, trustees 
and friends, zealously devoted to her interests, a 
bright future is before it. In our forthcoming 
work, we will prove, by showing what it has done 
for the country, that the expectations of its ^'i^iitls 
have, in great part, been realized. 

In 1827, the foundations of the work were laid 



KNOX COUNTY. 421 

on College Hill, commanding the most beautiful 
view in tlie whole country. The place is noted for 
health, as the Institution lias been for the thorough- 
ness of its course of instruction. Among the verv 
able officers at the present time are — Kt. Rev. (x. 
T. BedeD, Eev. T. M. Smith, Rev. M. T. 0. Wing, 
Rev. J. J. McElhinney, of the Theological Facul- 
ty, and Professors John Trimble, H. L. Smith, B. 
L. Lang, Francis Wharton, H. D. Lathrop and (x. 
T. Chapman, of the College. 

The Kenyon Grammar Schools in charge of Rca. 
A. Blake, at Gambler, and Rev. Peter S. Ruth, at 
Worthing-ton, are valuable adjuncts, and well sus- 
tained. 

The Libraries of the College and the Philoma- 
thesian and !^u Pi Kappa Societies, containing over 
15,000 volumes, and an abundant supply of literary 
food, are ever accessible to the student. 

The present Trustees of the Institution are — 
Rt. Rev. C. P. Mcllvaine, D.D.D.C.L., President; 
Rt. Rev. G. T. BedeU, Vice President ; Rev. S. A. 
Bronson, D.D., Rev. E. Burr, D.D., Rev. James 
McElroy, D.D., Rev. H. B. Walbridge, Rev. Lewis 
Burton, Rev. J. E. Grainmer, Hon. J. W. An- 
drews, Hon. R. C. Hurd, Hon. C. Delano, Gen'l 
Kent Jarvis, Wm. Procter, Esq., Dr. J. I^. Burr. 



422 HISTOBY OF 



CHAPTEE LI. 

THE FAMOUS RACE OF SBEIEFS BULL vs. TOM'S HORSE. 

OxE of the " pliunn j" characters in our county's 
history is our okl friend Seeley Simpkins, who is 
now in his 70th year, and was born in West Jer- 
sey, the precise spot he doesn't know — nor is it 
material to the thread of this discourse. In 1804, 
when five years old, he was brought by his father 
from Morgantown, Ya., and his recollection of Mt. 
Yernon runs from the time Capt. Walker lived in 
a little log hut close by the old sulphur spring. 
Seeley says that its water had a great medicine 
reputation with the Indians. He was a great 
fayorite with the squaws and pappooses, by reason 
of his uncommon musical talent. He could mimic 
any sound of varmint or human, surpassed the 
lute of Orpheus, and out-whistled all creation. He 
furnished fJie music for early musters, and when it 
took four counties to make a regiment he gave a 
challenge to out-whistle any man within them. 
He recollects with much pride the encomiums of 
Adjutant Stilley, who, he says, was " the best judge 
of swill music then in the country." He fre- 
quented race tracks, and drew crowds and supplied 
hoe-downs on demand. For a long time he labored 
under the disadvantage of making his pilgrimages 
on foot, but having the good luck to hear at 
preaching that " Balaam took his ass and saddled 



KK^OX COUNTY. 423 

Mm," lie concluded to take tlie next tiling to it — 
his bull — and saddle and ride liim. He was a nice 
little muscular brute, raised by liini, and being 
gentle, was trained so that he ti'aveled right smart 
on Seeley's circuit. Often have we seen Seeley in 
all his gloiy ride to the mill with his grist, and 
^yhile it was being ground he would take an airing 
around the town, whistling as he went. The races 
were usually on the flat front of ]!*5"oi'ton's mills, 
and there Seeley acquired " immortalit}^ and fame." 
On the occasion of a grand race, when the Critch- 
fields, Sam. Arbuclde, and the Creek nation were 
in town in their strength, a race was gotten up by 
Hugh 'Neal, John Gregg, and John Kellifer, be- 
tween Seeley's bull and Tom Irvine's horse. The 
stakes were up ; judges took their stand; and ex- 
pectation on tiptoe was soon gi-atified by the 
entrance of the steeds. At starting, the little 
bull's tail received a sudden and severe twist, 
causing him to bellow lustily as Seeley with 
" vaulting ambition pricked the sides of his intent ;" 
»nd goaded to desperation, bull pawed the earth 
and sped on with all his might, while the air was 
rent with the shouts and yells of the spectators, 
frightening him almost out of his skin. The horse, 
altogether unused to such " noise and confusion," 
inclined to balk, shied to one side, and trembling 
from fear, could not be brought to the " outcome" 
in time, and the judges honestly pronounced in 
favor of Seeley's bull. Amid the applause of the 
large concourse, Seeley proudly mounted his 
charger, and as he stroked his neck, complacently 



424: HISTORY OF KKOX COUNTY. 

took the wager, and rode home a happier man than 
ever in his life before or since. The poet says : 

"Honor and fame fx'om no condition rise; 
Act well your part — there all the honor lies." 

Seeley has done this, and his name is inscribed on 
the page of his country's history, to be remembered 
long after those who hare laughed at his career 
shall have been forgotten. 



To THE Reader. — We rest — not insensible to the fact that we 
may, in your estimation, "have done those things which we ought 
not to have done, and left undone those things which we ought to 
have done;" but there is no help for it now. Our field was 
entirely new, and but very few papers are accessible at this early 
day in our history — the future writer will have still less, and this 
work may prove advantageous to those who succeed us. We 
have not souglit to enibtdlish, but simply to give plain statements 
of old matters. Several thousand families have been named, and 
omissions of any of the old si'ttlcrs have been unintentional. The 
multitude crowding upon us has caused us to give less notice to 
several of our best citizens than we designed. Errors, typographical 
and otherwise, niay exist ; attribute them to the peculiar circum- 
.•■(tances that surround us in these days of war and excitement, and 
join us in prayer for a return of the good old times of peace, 
prosperity and happiness. 



279 92 



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